Written by: Catherine Dennis M.S., Ed.S | Early Childhood Specialist

Trauma informed practice, ACES and resilience have been the focus of educators the last few years. The idea that trauma was something that happened in the early years and understanding that impact on learning in the long term.  But the pause of this past year for all children has delivered another layer to this ever-evolving topic. Now, it doesn't really matter what the situation was at home, collectively, trauma was delivered to all the children that fill our schools. As a parent and educator with a high level of resilience and resources I was challenged beyond what I ever believed possible. The mental health impact of isolation, grief, adjustment, and increased time in front of the computer will all show up in our students. I call this the COVID backpack. Some will be heavier than others, but they are all extra loads to carry. Dismantling this in your work as an educator will take a heightened lens as a practitioner. It will take deep self-care for you as the one charged with the triaging. It is going to require a laser focus on your own ability to self-regulate. As you grow in your ability to navigate this, it will enhance your work as a professional as well as your ability to respond to your own curve balls. It is imperative, now more than ever, to step up to this work. It isn't something we can't just "do" alone, we need to be around a community of learners, especially trauma informed practitioners. Join the 6^th Annual Trauma Informed: Moving to Resilience Conference June 23-24 to give yourself the boost you need to properly respond to your students, your families and your communities. Own your impact. If it isn't you, then who will do the work?

Register today! https://criresilient.org/conference/