The University of Pittsburgh’s Theiss Training Center for Trauma and Early Childhood Mental Health will host a three-part online course revolving around trauma in August and September.

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Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient is a virtual training series that is designed specifically for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The courses in the series can act as standalone classes or participants can attend all three.

Teri Pentz, LCP, IMH-E® Mentor (Clinical), will lead the three courses on Microsoft Teams. Links for the courses will be shared with participants after they register.

Becoming Trauma Aware

The first course, Becoming Trauma Aware, will discuss the path to becoming trauma proficient and begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what children’s reaction to trauma can look like in the context of 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 reactions to it. They will also explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior.

The class will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 21. Other details include:

• One hour of PQAS or Act 48 credit will be available. There is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee.
• PD Registry Course: 153308
• Event ID: 379298
• Register

Becoming Trauma Informed

With a basic awareness of what trauma looks like in children, this second session will take a look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will discuss 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.

The session will run from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 4. Other details include:

• Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits. There is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee.
• PD Registry Course: 153309
• Event ID: 379301
• Register

Toward Trauma Proficiency

The 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.

The class will run from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Other details include:

• Attendees can receive 1.5 hours of PQAS or Act 48 credits. There is no cost to attend or for PQAS hours, but Act 48 hours will incur a separate fee.
• All can attend but prior completion of “Becoming Trauma Informed” is required to receive PQAS or Act 48 credits.
• PD Registry Course: 153312
• Event ID: 379303
• Register