The mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been profound, especially as they have affected young people in educational settings. The school closures, shifts to remote learning, isolation from physical distancing guidelines, and other immediate and unexpected shifts and barriers to learning and socialization have impacted all children and youth, with unique impacts at each stage from preschool through post-secondary education.
Studies have shown the deterioration of young people’s mental health during COVID-19, including elevated levels of depression and social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. This research also highlights protective factors that students utilized to cope and navigate these changes and challenges. As we move through the pandemic, we can take lessons forward about the critical importance of nurturing trauma-informed educational environments that promote these protective factors for students at all ages and stages.
“As schools maintain their critical focus on education and achievement, they must also acknowledge that mental health and wellness are innately connected to students’ success in the classroom and to a thriving school environment” (NCTSN).
A trauma-informed school recognizes the role that trauma plays in the lives of the school community, including students and their families as well as educators, administrators, and staff including bus drivers, lunch servers, janitors, and security personnel. The resources below offer considerations and strategies for creating and sustaining educational environments that promote good health for all.
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The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative’s (TLPI) mission is to ensure that all students, including those impacted by trauma, succeed at their highest levels in school and in life. TLPI engages in a host of advocacy strategies including: providing support to schools to become trauma sensitive environments; research and report writing; legislative and administrative advocacy for laws, regulations and policies that support schools to develop trauma-sensitive environments; coalition building; outreach and education; and limited individual case representation in special education where a child’s traumatic experiences are interfacing with his or her disabilities.
Other model programs and frameworks include:
- Kazzum Arts - This unique trauma-informed approach to creative practice with children and young people provides the structure, boundaries and emotional containment which can enable children and young people to connect to the world around them.
- Trauma Smart® - This evidence-based model from the Crittenton Children’s Center is shown to reduce the negative impact of trauma and violence on young children. Their prevention-oriented framework is grounded in the ACEs Study, addressing the three areas of development most affected by trauma.
- Miss Kendra Programs - This evidence-based social emotional learning curriculum was developed by trauma experts to prevent and address childhood trauma. “Through stories, sharing, imagination and play, Miss Kendra Programs helps students build their capacity to cope with big feelings, empowering them to share their worries and creating safe, supportive spaces to grow, thrive and be able to focus on school."
- Partnership for Resilience – This model works to improve academic, health, and social outcomes for children by fostering trauma-responsive schools alongside effective family, school, health, and community partnerships.
- Center for Safe & Resilient Schools and Workplaces - “Launched by leading experts in the field of trauma-informed schools, The Center has pioneered national practices for threat assessment, crisis response, and trauma-responsive strategies.”
- Head Start - This page offers different resources including webinars and videos for Head Start program staff to learn how to become trauma informed.