Understanding how early childhood educators can support children who have experienced trauma

When a child experiences a traumatic event, it can have a lasting effect on them. Along with family members, educators are often the ones to see these effects, and they can help by providing a safe space and supporting the child. 

In this episode we talk about understanding how early childhood educators can support children who have experienced trauma. Our host Nadia Rossi talks with Justin McArthur, an early years educator at Gowrie South Australia with over 20 years’ experience working with children from early childhood to primary school age. Justin has a special interest in working with children who have experienced trauma and offers strategies educators and families can use to support the children in their care.

Content warning: This podcast includes themes of child abuse and neglect. If listening to this podcast brings up any difficult feelings for you, please seek help from your mental health professional or one of these crisis or support services.

In this episode, you will learn:

• about trauma and ways educators can support children who have experienced it [02:41]
• how educators can create safe spaces for children who have experienced trauma [06:10]
• how families can engage with educators when their child has experienced trauma [07:45]; and
• some examples of fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses in children. [16:03]

Further information and resources:

Supporting children who have experienced trauma (podcast episode)

Circle of Security animation – Circle of Security International