Families
Trauma-Informed Schools – Why should it matter to Families?
A trauma-informed school is a learning environment that recognizes the prevalence of trauma in students' lives and takes proactive steps to create a safe and supportive atmosphere that promotes healing and resilience. It focuses on understanding the impact of trauma on student’s academic, social, and emotional well-being and is committed to providing the resources and support needed to help students cope and succeed.
It is essential for families to know about trauma-informed schools because a trauma-informed school can provide a supportive environment that can help their child cope with and heal from traumatic experiences. By prioritizing the emotional and social well-being of students, trauma-informed schools can help students succeed academically and thrive in all areas of their lives. Families should also know that they play an important role in supporting their child's well-being and that they can work with their child's school to ensure that their child's needs are being met.
As a family member, there are several things you can do to support your child's experience in a trauma- informed school:
- Learn About Trauma-Informed Practices: Educate yourself about trauma-informed practices and how they can benefit your child. Attend workshops, read articles, and talk to your child's teachers and school administrators.
- Support Your Child's Well-Being: Support your child's emotional and physical well-being by providing a safe and supportive home environment. Encourage self-care activities like exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies.
- Advocate for Trauma-Informed Policies: Advocate for policies that support trauma-informed practices in your child's school and community. Participate in school events/organizations, attend school board meetings, and connect with other families at your child’s school.
By understanding what a trauma-informed school is and how it can benefit your child, you can advocate for policies and practices that support your child's well-being and academic success.
Below are additional resources on trauma-informed schools for families:
Trauma-Informed Schools: What Parents Need to Know Why Schools Need to Be Trauma -Informed