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Theiss Training Center: Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed and Proficient

The University of Pittsburgh's Theiss Training Center will host a series titled Becoming Trauma Aware, Informed, and Proficient from January to March and from May to June.

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The center's online course on trauma is designed for professionals working with young children and their families in early childhood settings. The series will be offered periodically and each can be taken as a standalone course or participants can attend all three.

Microsoft Teams links will be shared with participants after they register for the courses.

The Courses

Becoming Trauma Aware discusses how the path to becoming trauma proficient begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what young children's reaction to trauma can look like in the context of their play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself.

Becoming Trauma Informed will take a step back to look at recent understanding of early brain development. It will share how babies' brains develop in tandem with close relationship building, how trauma disrupts relationships and the building of brain architecture during this stage, and how strong relationships can build resilience.

Toward Trauma Proficiency applies information presented in the second session. Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child's current psychological functioning. It will then assess behaviors presented to identify classroom strengths that support children whose needs are met and understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services.

Schedule and Registration

The three courses will be presented from January to March and again from May to June. The course listings include:

Becoming Trauma Aware

Becoming Trauma Informed

  • First session: Wednesday, January 29 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Register online

  • Second session: Thursday, May 22 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Register online

Toward Trauma Proficiency

  • First session: Wednesday, February 12 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Register online

  • Second session: Thursday, June 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Register online

Earlier Event: January 24
Building an Inclusive Library for Young Children
Later Event: January 29
Summer Planning Kickoff Meeting