EARLY CHILDHOOD

TRAUMA
HANNAH BROWN

CNS 739: ADVANCED COUNSELING SKILLS & CRISIS MANAGEMENT

DR. NIKKI ELSTON & HEATHER BLAND

 KEY FACTS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

• Effects children ages 0 to 6 years old. • Vulnerable to adverse outcomes and

• Physical Abuse, domestic violence, reactions.

accidents, etc. • Unable to verbalize feelings or reactions.

• Limited coping skills due to young age. • Strongly dependent on primary caregiver.
WHAT DO THEIR
RESPONSES LOOK LIKE?

• Excessive aggression.
crying. • Acting
• Showing signs withdrawn.
of distress. • Physical
• Regression in symptoms.
day-to-day • Acting out the
activities. traumatic event.
• Displaying
EFFECTS OF EARLY
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

• Difficulty coping with stress.

• Language delays.
• Difficult forming attachments.
• Drug abuse.
• Depression.
• Alcoholism.
 EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS
(ECE)
• Lend a helping hand in the healing process.
• Set predictable routines.
• Provide a safe place to play.
• Set limits appropriate to their age.
• Helping children identify their triggers and how to cope with them.
WALKING WITH YOU

• 24/7 Crisis management response.

• Team of highly qualified mental
health professionals.
• Intensive In-Home Based care.
• Helps the child feel safe and
supported. Walking With You - (703) 659-1292

• Individual and family counseling. 5900 Fort Dr STE 207, Centreville,

VA 20121
• Coordinate required services.
http://walkingwithyou.net/#/top/en
 THE NATIONAL CHILD
TRAUMATIC STRESS
NETWORK

https://www.nctsn.org/

For specific inquiries or more information about the

National Child Traumatic Stress Network
contact info@nctsn.org

National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

University of California Office - (310) 235-2633
“Over 10,000 local and state partnerships have been established by NCTSN
members in their work to integrate trauma-informed services into all child-serving
systems, including child protective services, health and mental health programs, Duke University Office – (919) 682-1552
child welfare, education residential care, juvenile justice, courts, and programs
serving military veteran families” (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network,
n.d.).
THE NATIONAL CHILD
TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK

• Raises the standard of care for children and

families that have experienced trauma.
• 116 funded centers and 170 affiliate centers.
• Clinical services.
• Intervention and resource materials.
• Education and training programs.
• Data collection and public awareness.
TAKEAWAYS

• Children’s response to trauma.

• The importance of a safe and supportive
environment.
• How young a child can be when they begin
showing symptoms.
• The level of vulnerability in children.
• The many different resources available to aid in
early childhood trauma.
 RESOURCES

Bartlett, J. D., & Smith, S. (2019). The role of early care and education in addressing early childhood trauma. American Journal of Community
Psychology, 64(3-4), 359–372. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12380

Bartlett, J. D., Smith, S., & Bringewatt, E. (2017). Helping Young Children Who Have Experienced Trauma: Policies and Strategies for Early Care
and Education. Child Trends. Retrieved from https://www.ddcf.org/globalassets/17-0428-helping-young-children-who-have-experienced-trauma.pdf

De Young, A. C., Kenardy, J. A., & Cobham, V. E. (2011). Trauma in early childhood: A neglected population. Clinical Child and Family
Psychology Review, 14(3), 231–250. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-011-0094-3

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Retrieved April 14, 2022, from https://www.nctsn.org/

Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T). (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.porticonetwork.ca/documents/366159/1073220/Suicide+Assessment+Five-Step+Evaluation+and+Triage+%28SAFE-T
%29%20Booklet/00b209ca-3078-45db-a175-6983c6962166

Walking With You. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://walkingwithyou.net/#/top/en