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Head Start programs can help build resilience in children and families in the face of trauma and adversity. Trauma impacts Head Start children, families, and staff in a multitude of ways. It is critical to think about how program leaders can address those impacts and provide resilience-building opportunities for the people they serve.

Join the Office of Head Start (OHS) for a broad discussion of trauma, followed by a question and answer (Q&A) session on related issues. Engage in peer dialogue, chat with experts, and identify strategies for Head Start programs.

Presenters

• Sangeeta Parikshak, PhD, social science analyst and behavioral health lead, OHS
• Neal Horen, PhD, National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness; director of early childhood, Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University
• Amy Hunter, LICSW, National Center on Early Childhood Health and Wellness; assistant professor, Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University

#HeadStartHeals Campaign

Join OHS and the National Centers for a series of "office hours" webinars with Q&A sessions. The office hours will provide participants with a space to discuss general trauma and specific issues related to trauma, such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and substance misuse.

Find more trauma resources and strategies through OHS's #HeadStartHeals campaign. Program managers can use these resources to design quality improvements for their programs. Direct service staff can use promoted strategies to assist the children and families they serve. In the coming weeks, we will discuss:

The intersection of substance use disorder and trauma and how Head Start programs can help
Understanding trauma-informed care in high needs communities and in classroom settings
Trauma and adult mental health

Additional Resources

Recognizing and Addressing Trauma in Infants, Young Children, and Their Families
This training module can help Head Start and Early Head Start staff understand what is meant by trauma and recognize its developmental context in early childhood. It can be used to extend their own knowledge for intervention through consultation.

Questions?

Send your trauma-related questions or comments to [email protected].