How Children Respond to Stress and Trauma
This resource helps families and Head Start staff understand the effects of stress and trauma, so children can get the support and care they need to cope.
Mental Health
Head Start programs support the mental health of children, families, and staff every day. Early childhood mental health is the same as social and emotional well-being. It is a child’s developing capacity to express and regulate emotions, form trusting relationships, explore, and learn—all in the cultural context of family and community. The mental health of children and the adults that care for them is essential for school readiness.
Defining Trauma
Increase your knowledge and skills about trauma. Learn the definition of trauma, how we respond to traumatic events, and how traumatic events affect families.
Caring for Ourselves as We Care for Others
Learn about reactions to others’ trauma and how to respond. We need to take care of ourselves when we work with people who have experienced trauma. The effects of those experiences on them can affect us, too.
Coping and Healing
Review strategies for coping with and healing from trauma. Learn how families’ strengths help the healing process.
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
In this overview, learn about the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on children's development.