Trauma-Informed School
What is trauma?
Trauma is the emotional result of experiences that overwhelm a person’s capacity to cope. It can take two forms – acute or complex. Acute trauma tends to be an isolated event, whereas complex trauma is ongoing. Often trauma presents as PTSD. Many young children have disorganized attachment as a result of developmental/infant trauma.
ACEs – Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Trauma is linked to ACEs.
These ACEs include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Physical neglect
- Emotional neglect
- Intimate partner violence
- Mother treated violently
- Substance misuse within household
- Household mental illness
- Parental separation or divorce
- Incarcerated household member
- Physical neglect
- Emotional neglect
- Medical and dental neglect
- Educational neglect
- Inadequate supervision
- Exposure to violent environments
However, other events can be traumatic for children, even if adults don’t see the events as being traumatic.
These include, but are not limited to, foster care and adoption, medical emergencies, mistreatment from teachers, and bullying.
How is MindWare Academy a trauma-informed school?
As a trauma-informed school, MindWare teachers do not judge children based on behaviours.
Instead of asking what is ‘wrong’ with this child, we ask “What happened to this child?”
MindWare teachers follow the 4 R’s:
- Realize the impact of trauma
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma
- Respond with knowledge, caring and compassion
- Resist re-traumatization
As a trauma-informed school MindWare practises the principles of safety, trust, connection, empowerment and recognition of cultural, historical, medical and gender issues.
MindWare teachers share information and understanding and work as a team. They support children physically, socially, emotionally and academically and address children’s needs in a holistic way.
Connection is very important and teachers work hard to make sure every child feels connected to a staff member.
MindWare embraces teamwork and the staff share responsibility for all students.
MindWare works hard to put into place programs that help students work through the trauma and feel emotionally healthy and ready to embrace opportunities and challenges.