Trauma Support Resources

Updated Tuesday, 29 April 2024

Early Childhood Australia has curated these trauma support resources to assist vulnerable communities in times of crisis or emergency. Recognising the significant impact of such events, particularly on children, who rely on adults for support and protection, ECA emphasises the importance of a responsive learning environment.

Educators play an essential role in supporting children’s recovery and resilience by nurturing relationships, establishing routines, and ensuring a safe environment. By using play experiences effectively, early learning services, school-age care providers, and educators can foster feelings of safety and connection. Additionally, by limiting children’s exposure to media and actively listening to their fears and worries, they can ensure their voices are heard and they feel secure.

ECA AND BE YOU RESOURCES 

• The Spoke – Experiencing difficult events
• The Spoke – Supporting our most vulnerable children
• ECA Learning Hub – Big life events: Impacts on children, families and communities (free module)
• Be You Fact Sheet – The role of early learning services in supporting children after a traumatic event
• Be You – Grief, trauma and critical incident resources
• Be You – Educator wellbeing tools
• Be You – Mental health services and support helplines

EMERGING MINDS RESOURCES 

• Talking to children about violent events
• How early childhood educators can help children 0-24 months following a traumatic event
• Psychological First Aid tip card (for children)
• Supporting students in your school following a traumatic event (passcode: VZ1kG8=b)