Early Childhood Education Services
Trauma experienced during the first five years of life can have a significant impact on the child’s development, interfering with self-regulation, coping with stress, learning, and developing positive relationships. By integrating trauma-informed practices in ECE, we aim to create safe, empathetic spaces where every child feels valued, understood, and capable of reaching their full potential.
Designed for Early Childhood Educators and professionals working with young children, participants gain a deep understanding of trauma-informed practices for children ages 0-5 and those who support them. Grounded in Resilient Futures’ 4 R’s© framework, you will receive implementation tools, case studies, resources, and activities to translate learning into action—empowering school communities to drive trauma-informed change.
All Staff Foundational Training
Our Trauma-Informed Futures© ECE All Staff Training is designed for professionals working with young children, encompassing all members of your early childhood education community, including educators, teaching assistants, administrators, and support staff. It is an ideal training for participants new to trauma-informed practices or seeking a refresher.
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Facilitated by Resilient Futures Executive Trainers, the training series focuses on increasing capacity and sustainability for integrating trauma-informed practices that meet the unique needs of young learners.
Participants receive knowledge and resources that can be seamlessly integrated into early childhood education settings, ensuring the continuity of trauma-informed services. We employ our proprietary Trauma-Informed framework to address trauma in today’s world - influenced by the evidenced-informed Healthy Environments and Response to Trauma in Schools (HEARTS) conceptual framework (Dorado et al., 2016).
Rooted in neuroscience and resilience research, trauma-informed practices are flexible, adaptable, and designed to create nurturing, supportive, and inclusive environments for young children. We place a strong emphasis on Adult Wellness, equipping participants with skills to address burnout and secondary trauma commonly experienced in early childhood settings.
Participants will leave the training equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster safer, more supportive learning environments for every young child.
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This training can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of ECE staff, and we offer adapted versions for different specialties, including teaching assistants, mental health professionals, speech and language specialists, and special education staff.
Duration: 10 hours conducted over 3 to 4 in-person sessions for optimal engagement and retention.
Implementation Team Collaborative Program
The Trauma-Informed Futures© Implementation Team Collaborative leverages the principles of implementation science to empower diverse Early Childhood Education cohorts with the knowledge and skills needed to implement and sustain trauma-informed practices over a multi-year partnership. This program cultivates the capacity for participants to champion resilience within their Early Childhood Education communities. Individuals are selected based on their dedication to upholding trauma-informed practices throughout their partnership with Resilient Futures, ensuring continuity and a holistic approach to implementation.
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Program Overview:
Bringing together a diverse group of Early Childhood Education leaders, Mental Health providers, Classroom Teachers, and representatives from various functions across the school community, this collaborative program works alongside our Resilient Futures Executive Trainers. Together, they identify existing school practices and policies that can be enhanced through the implementation of trauma-informed strategies.
Key Components:
Collaborative Leadership: Participants engage in collaborative decision-making, leveraging their collective knowledge and understanding of Early Childhood Education contextual factors to drive effective implementation and sustainability of trauma-informed practices.
Progressive Training Model: Our model advances systematically, building upon cumulative knowledge and skills to ensure a comprehensive grasp of trauma-informed principles and practices. Through contextual case studies, role-playing exercises, proprietary tools, and other interactive methods, participants deepen their understanding of trauma-informed practices.
Internal Resource Establishment: As the Implementation Team progresses, they become an internal resource for fellow educators, offering trauma-informed solutions to reframe challenges encountered in Early Childhood Education settings. By actively embodying trauma-informed mindsets and behaviors, they cultivate empathy and understanding in interactions with all children and staff, fostering inclusivity and meeting diverse needs within the Early Childhood Education community.
Program Evaluation Outcome Approach: Employing a mixed-method design, we utilize a program evaluation outcome approach with measurement tools to assess program effectiveness, training appropriateness, and outcomes. Evaluation findings drive ongoing optimization and adaptations to the program.
The Trauma-Informed Futures© Implementation Team is equipped to successfully implement, embed, and sustain trauma-informed practices, playing a pivotal role in supporting the entire Early Childhood Education community.
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While fully customizable, our Implementation Team Collaborative is an ongoing program that typically spans the school year and evolves across a multi-year partnership.
ECE Train the Trainers (TTT) Program
The Trauma-Informed Futures© ECE Train the Trainers (TTT) Series is specifically designed to empower selected Early Childhood Educators to facilitate our Trauma-Informed Futures© Foundational Training within their organization.
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Through immersive exercises such as personal storytelling, reflective exercises, and group discussions, participants will learn how to deliver our Foundational Training in a trauma-informed manner tailored to the unique needs of young children.
We provide comprehensive resources, including lesson PowerPoints, robust learning tools, activities, case studies, and a facilitation manual, ensuring that Trainers are fully equipped to lead impactful sessions in ECE settings. Ideal candidates for this program are individuals with experience in trauma-informed practices, a willingness to provide professional development within their school or institution, and a passion for nurturing young children's development.
This training builds upon and reinforces foundational trauma-informed knowledge, grounded in the Resilient Futures 4 R’s framework - influenced by the evidenced-informed Healthy Environments and Response to Trauma in Schools (HEARTS) conceptual framework (Dorado et al., 2016). It covers essential topics such as Understanding Trauma and Stress, promoting Cultural Humility, and fostering Resilience through the 3 C’s of Connection, Coping, and Competence.
ECE TTT collaboration objectives include:
• Applying the 4 R’s of trauma-informed practices in the context of young children.
• Recognizing and assessing behavior manifestations in young children and staff according to the physiological stress response continuum.
• Understanding the prevalence of trauma and its effects on learning and behavior in young children while challenging a deficit lens.
• Prioritizing Cultural Humility, emphasizing the importance within trauma-informed practices in early childhood education.
• Practicing skills to foster resilience for young children and staff based on the ARC model, focusing on building connection, coping skills, and competence within early childhood education settings.
• Understanding secondary trauma and burnout specific to ECE, and implementing practices to enhance individual and community wellness.
• Through self-reflection and practice, assessing facilitation skills to effectively deliver sensitive content and mitigate potential re-traumatization of participants in early childhood education environments.
Upon completion, participants are equipped to lead trauma-informed training sessions for ECE teachers and staff with confidence. They will also have the opportunity to explore their role as trainers, addressing potential challenges and emotional aspects of the content they will deliver.
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Participants must complete the entire training to receive a certificate of completion and access to the training materials tailored for early childhood education contexts.
Duration: xxx
ECE Transformative Leadership Training
Our Trauma-Informed Futures© Transformative Leadership Training Series empowers early childhood education (ECE) leaders with a comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed practices while emphasizing Cultural Humility in leadership positions.
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This intensive two-day training program is tailored for Principals, Assistant Principals, and those in supervisory roles within ECE settings who are committed to enhancing their leadership capabilities through trauma-informed approaches.
Throughout the training, participants will delve deeply into the foundational principles of trauma-informed care, learning how to seamlessly integrate these principles into their daily leadership responsibilities within ECE environments. Our skilled facilitators will lead engaging sessions focusing on communication strategies, relationship-building techniques, and the cultivation of a supportive organizational culture specific to the early childhood education context.
Key highlights of the training include:
Communication: Explore effective communication strategies geared towards fostering trust, empathy, and collaboration within ECE communities. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, leaders will refine their abilities in active listening, conflict resolution, and trauma-sensitive communication.
Relationship Building: Equip leaders with practical tools and strategies for nurturing meaningful connections, promoting a sense of belonging, and cultivating a culture of mutual respect, safety, and inclusivity within ECE settings.
Self-Reflection and Growth: Leadership in early childhood education begins with self-awareness. Participants will engage in reflective practices aimed at challenging entrenched patterns of behavior and fostering personal growth. By examining their leadership styles through a trauma-informed lens, leaders will gain insights into creating more equitable and compassionate learning environments for young children.
Cultural Humility in Leadership: Cultural Humility is a cornerstone principle that should guide every decision and action of an ECE leader. Through case studies, group discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will learn strategies for dismantling systemic barriers, addressing disparities, and promoting Cultural Humility within early childhood education settings.
Action Planning and Implementation: Equipped with newfound knowledge and skills, participants will develop tailored action plans for their unique ECE contexts. Facilitators will offer ongoing support and guidance as leaders strive to implement trauma-informed practices within their ECE programs.
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The training spans 16 hours across two full-day sessions or 4 half-day sessions, allowing for comprehensive exploration and practical application of concepts within the ECE landscape.
Professional Development Deep Dives
Our Professional Development Deep Dive Series for ECE offers ongoing professional learning opportunities that build upon the foundational knowledge gained from our Trauma-Informed Futures© Foundational Training. Sessions are specifically tailored to address the unique needs of your school environment.
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Dive deep into crucial topics such as Cultural Humility, Pedagogy, and Trauma-Informed Teaching practices. Our sessions go beyond surface-level discussions, focusing on practical strategies and techniques. We cover everything from modeling self-regulation skills to empowering students, ensuring a comprehensive and progressive training experience throughout our collaboration.
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While fully customizable, our Professional Development Deep Dives typically range from 2 to 8 hours per school year, starting from Year 2.
These sessions complement our All Staff Foundational Training, providing continuous growth and development for Early Childhood Educators.
Professional Development Deep Dives are typically facilitated during Year 2 and beyond of a long-term partnership.
ECE Reflective Consultations
Reflective Consultation supports Early Childhood Educators in increasing their self-awareness, exploring their work with students and caregivers, and cultivates opportunities to engage in collective learning in groups or individually.
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Through reflection and group discussion you'll gain strategies to deepen your understanding and connection with others to cope with the stressors of being an educator and to experience the joy of being an educator.
In Reflective Consultation (RC), we will explore your role and relationships at work and develop self-awareness to deepen your understanding and connection with others, including families/children/colleagues you work with. We will work to create a safe place for you to process, reflect, and grow. The approach is relational, reflective, and supportive.
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This series is for individuals and groups and meets monthly - virtually or in person.
Typically facilitated during Year 2 and beyond of a long-term partnership.
Strengthening Family Coping Resources Training Series (SFCR) for Caregivers of Children 0 to 5
Rooted in the belief that families & caregivers are central to Early Childhood development, the SFCR-P2P Series offers a peer-driven caregiver education and support program specifically tailored to nurture coping resources and foster a sense of safety, stability, and connection within early childhood education environments.
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The comprehensive SFCR curriculum focuses on five key conceptual areas – Family, Traditions, Routines, Safety, and Connections.
Highlights of the training series include:
Building Resilience: Participants will learn practical strategies for enhancing resilience in both young children and adult caregivers. Through interactive workshops and peer-led discussions, caregivers will gain insights into the importance of creating a supportive family environment that promotes emotional well-being and adaptive coping skills for young children.
Enhancing Communication: Effective communication is essential for building strong family relationships. SFCR equips caregivers with tools and techniques for improving communication dynamics within their families, fostering open dialogue, and strengthening bonds of trust and understanding, crucial for early childhood development.
Promoting Safety and Stability: Caregivers will explore strategies for establishing routines, rituals, and traditions that promote a sense of security and predictability, vital elements for young children's healthy development, even in the face of adversity.
Cultivating Connections: Learn how to nurture supportive networks within families and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support, which are crucial for creating a nurturing environment for young children.
Peer-to-Peer Support: Central to the SFCR-P2P model is the power of peer support. Caregivers will have the opportunity to connect with and learn from others who share similar experiences, creating a supportive community within the early childhood education setting.
Upon completion, participants emerge with enhanced coping resources and a deeper understanding of family dynamics, affording them the opportunity to become Certified Facilitators within early childhood education environments. Equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead future programs, these caregivers will play a vital role in fostering the growth and sustainability of the SFCR-P2P program in early childhood settings.
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SFCR is facilitated across 4 to 10 sessions, and is typically facilitated during Year 2 of a long-term partnership.
Offered in both English and Spanish, with translation services available in additional languages, our training series welcomes caregivers from diverse backgrounds and communities.
The SFCR Program has been widely studied and recognized as one of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s best practices for promoting family resilience and well-being in early childhood education environments.