Trauma-Informed Care in Schools: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know

A group of people are sitting in a circle with their hands on their knees.

For many children, school is more than just a place to learn—it’s a place to feel safe, supported, and seen. But for those who have experienced trauma, the classroom can also be filled with hidden triggers, emotional challenges, and overwhelming stress. That’s where trauma-informed care in schools comes in.

 

At Lori’s Place, we advocate for trauma-informed practices not only in our direct services—but also across the systems that touch children's lives, especially schools. Whether you're a parent, teacher, counselor, or school staff member, understanding trauma-informed care can make a world of difference in helping kids thrive.

 

What Is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes how trauma can affect a child’s behavior, emotions, and ability to learn. It shifts the mindset from “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What happened to this child, and how can I support them?”

Rather than viewing disruptive behaviors as problems to punish, trauma-informed care sees them as communication—often rooted in fear, pain, or a need for safety.

 

Why Trauma-Informed Schools Matter

Children who have experienced abuse, neglect, violence, or other forms of trauma are at higher risk of:

  • Behavioral challenges in the classroom

  • Difficulty focusing or learning

  • Withdrawal or aggression

  • Anxiety or depression

When schools adopt trauma-informed strategies, they create environments that promote healing instead of deepening emotional wounds. The benefits include:

  • Improved academic performance

  • Lower suspension and expulsion rates

  • Better student-teacher relationships

  • A safer, more supportive school climate for all students

What Teachers Can Do

  1. Create Predictable Routines
    Structure and consistency help students feel safe. Use daily routines and clear expectations.

  2. Build Trusting Relationships
    A supportive adult relationship can be a protective factor for students facing trauma. Listen with empathy and show patience.

  3. Respond Instead of Reacting
    Trauma can make children hyper-vigilant or quick to anger. Respond calmly, validate feelings, and provide choices when possible.

  4. Practice Self-Care
    Supporting students who’ve experienced trauma can be emotionally taxing. Teachers need support too—whether through peer networks, counseling, or regular wellness practices.

 

What Parents Can Do

  1. Communicate with Your Child’s School
    Share any relevant concerns or past trauma (when comfortable) to help staff support your child more effectively.

  2. Ask About Trauma-Informed Practices
    Inquire whether the school offers trauma-informed training or programs, and advocate for these if they don’t.

  3. Model Emotional Regulation at Home
    Kids look to adults for how to handle stress. Use moments of frustration or upset as opportunities to teach coping skills.

  4. Get Support for Yourself
    Healing is a family journey. Lori’s Place offers resources and referrals for both children and caregivers.

 

Building a More Supportive Future

 

Creating trauma-informed schools is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing shift in culture. It requires collaboration between parents, educators, counselors, and community organizations like Lori’s Place.

 

Together, we can make sure that every child—not just those who’ve experienced trauma—feels safe, supported, and empowered to learn.