The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health is hosting a three-part online course on trauma in August and September.
The three-part virtual training series on Trauma Proficient Practiced is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically; each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three.
Teri Pentz, MS, LPC, NCC, Infant Mental Health Mentor (Clinical), will lead all three courses.
Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses.
The first course discusses how the path to becoming trauma proficient begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what young children’s reaction to trauma can look like in the context of their play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself. Attendees will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then, they will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior.
Becoming Trauma Aware will be held on:
With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this second session will take a step back to look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will share how babies’ brains develop in tandem with close relationship building; how trauma disrupts relationships and the building of “brain architecture” during this stage; and how strong relationships can build resilience when trauma is present.
Becoming Trauma Informed will be held on:
This third training applies information presented in the second session. Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child’s current psychological functioning. It will then assess behaviors presented to identify classroom strengths that support children whose needs are met and understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services.
Toward Trauma Proficiency will be held on:
