Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators: Relationship-Based Approaches that Reduce Stress, Build Resilience and Support Healing in Young Children

This second edition of Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators continues to guide childcare providers and early educators working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary-aged children to understand trauma as well as its impact on young children’s brains, behavior, learning and development. The book covers a range of trauma-responsive teaching strategies that readers can use to create strength-based environments that support children’s health, healing and resiliency. Updates include a greater emphasis on resilience and collaborating with mental health specialists, new chapters on developing children’s body awareness/sensory literacy and pathways to regulation that reduce stress through breathing techniques and mindful movement, as well as new vignettes and case studies to use in workshops or professional development. Supervisors and coaches will learn a range of powerful trauma-responsive practices that they can use to support workforce development and enhance their quality improvement initiatives.

Julie Nicholson, PhD, is Professor of Practice, Associate Editor of Early Child Development and Care, international speaker and MBA candidate concentrating in finance and data analytics. She is the co-author of 13 books for early childhood educators including five on trauma-informed practices.

Linda Perez, PhD, is Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Professor Emerita of Education at Mills College and Clinical Director of the Epiphany Center Family Treatment Program.

Julie Kurtz, MS, is an author and national speaker consulting and training on trauma and resilience. Julie is the Founder and CEO for the Center for Optimal Brain Integration®.

Shawn Bryant, MA, is Director and Principal Consultant with YesToECE on early childhood training, coaching and consultancy. A nationally recognized professional development facilitator, Shawn brings 30 years of experience, expertise and commitment to advancing the work of adults involved in the lives of young children.

Drew Giles, MA, RYT, RCYT, is Director of Quality Enhancement and Professional Development in Oakland Unified School District, U.S.A., and an EdD student researching mindfulness-based professional development in early childhood settings at San José State University.