Introduction
Trauma can affect everyone in a child care and early education (CCEE) system—young children, their families, and CCEE providers.i, ii A growing body of evidence shows that young children are particularly vulnerable to events that threaten their safety or the safety of their parents and caregivers.iii Because young children may respond differently to traumatic experiences than older children and may be unable to talk directly about their experiences, the potential effects of trauma on young children can be overlooked. Young children affected by trauma may have challenges regulating their behavior and emotions and may rely heavily on families and other adults, including their CCEE providers, for co-regulation of emotions and a sense of safety. Parents, caregivers, and CCEE providers may be affected by caring for young children experiencing traumatic stress or may experience their own trauma, which can affect their capacity to support young children in CCEE. Parents and caregivers may similarly be affected into adulthood by unresolved trauma from their own childhood, which can affect their engagement in CCEE and the parent-child relationship.iv
i Review of trauma-informed initiatives at the systems level (James Bell Associates): https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/private/pdf/262051/TI_Approaches_Research_Review.pdf (PDF)
ii Helping young children who have experienced trauma: Policies and strategies for early care and education (Child Trends): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajcp.12380 ; https://cms.childtrends.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017-19ECETrauma.pdf (PDF)
iii Early childhood trauma (National Child Trauma Stress Network): https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/early-childhood-trauma
iv Klest, B., Tamaian, A., & Boughner, E. (2019). A model exploring the relationship between betrayal trauma and health: The roles of mental health, attachment, trust in healthcare systems, and nonadherence to treatment. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11(6), 656.
Purpose
With support from caring adults in their lives, young children can heal from traumatic events without requiring intensive interventions. This highlight provides an overview of research on early childhood trauma and its relevance to CCEE. The highlight also offers evidence-informed strategies and best practices for CCEE leaders to consider when implementing trauma-informed approaches to support young children, parents/caregivers, and CCEE providers.
Key Findings and Highlights
Figure 1. Considerations for a Trauma-Informed Approach to CCEE
Recommendations
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a framework for defining a trauma-informed approach.v A trauma-informed approach is one where every level of an organization or system has a basic understanding about trauma; how it can affect individuals, families, and communities; and how it can be addressed systematically in human service settings. SAMHSA defines a trauma-informed approach using the “4Rs” framework. Using this definition, organizations, agencies, or programs using a trauma-informed approach:
- Realize the widespread effects of trauma on children, families, and staff and understand potential paths for recovery.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in children, families, staff, and others involved in the CCEE system.
- Respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices.
- Actively resist re-traumatization of children, families, and staff.
v SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf (PDF)
Citation
Vivrette, B. (2023). Considerations for Trauma-Informed Child Care and Early Education Systems. OPRE Report #2023-041. Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Glossary
- Adversity:
- Refers to a wide range of circumstances, experiences, or events that pose a serious threat to a person’s physical, psychological, social, and/or economic well-being.
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs):
- Refer to specific types of abuse, neglect, and family-household challenges and have been associated with numerous negative effects to physical and mental well-being across the lifespan.
- Resilience:
- Is a dynamic process encompassing positive adaptation within the context of significant adversity; in other words, resilience is the ability to thrive despite exposure to significant adversity or potentially traumatic events.
- Trauma or traumatic stress:
- Is one possible outcome of exposure to adversity. Trauma occurs when a person perceives an event or set of circumstances as extremely frightening, harmful, or threatening—emotionally, physically, or both.
- Unresolved trauma :
- Is trauma that persists over time and has not been addressed through supports or interventions.