Early childhood is a critical period in human development, and experiences during this time can shape a child’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being for the rest of their life. Unfortunately, some children may experience crisis or trauma due to various circumstances, such as abuse, neglect, the loss of a loved one, or exposure to violence. It is essential for educators, caregivers, and professionals working with young children to recognise the signs of trauma and respond appropriately. The OSHAA 30-Hours Early Childhood Crisis and Trauma course provides in-depth training to help professionals understand the impact of trauma on young children and equip them with the skills to provide the necessary support.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Early Childhood Crisis and Trauma course is a comprehensive training programme designed for individuals working with young children, including teachers, childcare providers, social workers, and health professionals. This course helps participants develop an understanding of the different types of trauma that children may face and offers practical strategies for supporting traumatised children. It combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application to ensure that participants can provide trauma-informed care and interventions.
Trauma can have a profound impact on a child’s development. When children experience trauma, it can affect their emotional regulation, social relationships, cognitive abilities, and overall mental health. Early intervention is key to helping children cope with and recover from traumatic experiences.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Early Childhood Crisis and Trauma course is an invaluable resource for anyone working with young children. By understanding the impact of trauma and learning how to implement trauma-informed care, professionals can play a vital role in helping children heal, develop, and thrive. Whether you are a teacher, childcare provider, social worker, or healthcare professional, this course equips you with the knowledge and practical tools to support children in crisis and make a positive impact on their lives.
OSHAA 30-Hours Early Childhood Crisis and Trauma
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Early Childhood Trauma (2 Hours)
- Understand the concept of trauma and its impact on early childhood development.
- Recognise the different types of trauma (e.g., physical, emotional, environmental) that affect young children.
- Develop an awareness of how trauma can influence a child’s behaviour, emotions, and overall well-being.
- Gain an understanding of the importance of early intervention for traumatised children.
Identifying Signs of Trauma in Children (5 Hours)
- Learn to recognise common signs and symptoms of trauma in children, including behavioural, emotional, and physical indicators.
- Understand how trauma manifests differently in young children as compared to older children and adults.
- Identify how trauma can affect a child’s social interactions and emotional regulation.
- Be able to conduct observations and assessments to detect signs of trauma in children.
- Develop practical skills for recognising trauma in both home and educational settings.
The Psychological Impact of Trauma (5 Hours)
- Understand the short- and long-term psychological effects of trauma on children.
- Learn how trauma affects brain development, emotional regulation, and behaviour.
- Explore how trauma can contribute to developmental delays and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
- Gain knowledge of attachment theory and its relevance to traumatised children.
- Understand how trauma influences a child’s cognitive abilities and learning processes.
Trauma-Informed Approaches to Care (6 Hours)
- Learn the principles of trauma-informed care and its importance in supporting traumatised children.
- Develop skills to create safe, predictable, and supportive environments for children affected by trauma.
- Understand how to build trust and foster healthy attachments with traumatised children.
- Learn strategies to respond empathetically to children’s needs and create opportunities for healing.
- Apply trauma-informed practices to daily routines and activities within childcare or educational settings.
Coping Mechanisms for Children in Crisis (3 Hours)
- Gain knowledge of effective coping strategies to help children manage trauma-related stress.
- Understand how to teach children emotional regulation techniques and resilience-building skills.
- Learn how to use creative methods such as play, art, and storytelling to help children express their emotions.
- Develop skills to encourage children to identify and practise healthy coping mechanisms.
- Learn how to incorporate coping strategies into daily interactions and activities with children.
Working with Families of Traumatised Children (3 Hours)
- Learn how to communicate effectively with families of traumatised children.
- Understand the role of families in supporting the healing process and how to involve them in trauma-informed care.
- Gain skills in providing families with the necessary resources and support for managing trauma.
- Develop an understanding of how family dynamics may impact a child’s trauma and recovery.
- Understand how to create family-centred care plans that align with the child’s needs.
Crisis Intervention and Support (3 Hours)
- Understand how to respond effectively to a crisis involving a traumatised child.
- Develop the skills to stabilise and support children experiencing acute emotional distress.
- Learn strategies for de-escalating a crisis situation and creating a calming environment.
- Understand when to involve additional support services or mental health professionals in a crisis.
- Gain practical knowledge of providing ongoing support to children and families during and after a crisis.
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Trauma Care (3 Hours)
- Understand the legal responsibilities of professionals when working with traumatised children, including safeguarding and confidentiality requirements.
- Learn about ethical considerations in trauma care, such as respecting children’s autonomy and dignity.
- Understand the procedures for reporting suspected abuse or neglect in compliance with relevant laws.
- Gain awareness of the legal frameworks that guide trauma-informed care in early childhood settings.
- Explore potential ethical dilemmas and challenges professionals may encounter in providing trauma care.
- In-Depth Understanding of Trauma in Early Childhood: This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of trauma on young children, including its psychological, emotional, and behavioural effects.
- Practical Skills for Identifying Trauma: Participants will gain the ability to recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma in children, enabling early detection and intervention to support their well-being.
- Trauma-Informed Care Techniques: The course equips participants with trauma-informed strategies to create safe and supportive environments for traumatised children, fostering healing and resilience.
- Improved Communication with Families: Learn how to effectively communicate with families of traumatised children, providing them with the tools, support, and resources needed to assist in the child’s recovery process.
- Coping Mechanisms for Trauma: Participants will acquire techniques to help children develop healthy coping strategies to manage trauma-related stress, including emotional regulation and resilience-building.
- Crisis Intervention Skills: Gain valuable skills in responding to crises involving traumatised children, stabilising distressing situations, and providing the necessary support to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
- Ethical and Legal Awareness: Participants will understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of professionals working with traumatised children, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and mandatory reporting.
- Enhanced Career Prospects: Completing this course will enhance your professional qualifications, making you a valuable asset in childcare, education, social work, and healthcare roles, especially those focused on supporting traumatised children.
- Improved Support for Children’s Mental Health: By understanding the psychological effects of trauma, participants will be able to offer tailored support to help children process their experiences, develop emotional regulation skills, and achieve better mental health outcomes.
- Confidence in Handling Trauma Situations: The course prepares participants to respond effectively to traumatised children in both educational and caregiving settings, increasing their confidence in handling challenging situations with care and professionalism.
- Better Outcomes for Traumatised Children: With the skills learned in this course, participants will contribute to creating environments that foster healing, positive development, and academic success for children who have experienced trauma.
- Recognition of Trauma-Informed Expertise: Upon completion, participants will receive a recognised certification that demonstrates their expertise in early childhood trauma and trauma-informed care, enhancing their credibility and professionalism in the field.
- Promote Long-Term Well-being: By applying trauma-informed practices, participants will help children build resilience, improving their long-term well-being and development beyond the trauma experience.
The OSHAA 30-Hours Early Childhood Crisis and Trauma course is designed for professionals who work with young children and are interested in understanding the impact of trauma and providing effective support. This course is ideal for the following individuals:
- Early Childhood Educators: Teachers, nursery staff, and childcare providers who want to enhance their skills in recognising and addressing trauma in young children.
- Social Workers: Professionals working in child welfare, family services, or youth support who need to understand the psychological impact of trauma on children and how to support them effectively.
- Child Psychologists and Counselors: Mental health professionals who specialise in child development and want to expand their knowledge on trauma-informed care and intervention strategies.
- Healthcare Professionals: Paediatricians, nurses, and therapists who interact with young children and wish to gain expertise in recognising and supporting trauma-affected children.
- Family Support Workers: Professionals who provide services to children and families in need, ensuring children’s emotional well-being and helping parents understand trauma’s effects.
- Special Education Teachers: Educators working with children who may have experienced trauma and require specialised support in the classroom.
- Parents and Caregivers: Parents, guardians, and caregivers of children who are interested in learning more about the impact of trauma and how to support their child through a healing process.
- Community Workers: Individuals working in community centres, after-school programs, or child advocacy organisations who need to support children affected by trauma.
- Youth Workers: Professionals who work with children and young people in a variety of settings, including foster care, residential care, or youth support services.
- Child Protection Officers: Professionals responsible for identifying and responding to child abuse or neglect, who need to understand the effects of trauma on children and how to intervene appropriately.
- Mental Health Practitioners: Psychiatrists, psychologists, and counsellors who work with children and are interested in deepening their expertise in trauma-informed care and crisis management.
Whether you are an educator, healthcare professional, social worker, or a parent, this course will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to identify, understand, and support traumatized children effectively.
