Understanding Trauma

Many school-age children have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences – violence, abuse, neglect, and more.  The result can be psychological trauma, which can affect learning and behavior.  This course lays essential foundational knowledge to prepare educators for future coursework addressing trauma-informed supports for students.  Participants in this course will be able to:

  • Describe the prevalence, characteristics and impact of trauma on children

  • Recognize behavior for signs of toxic stress response

  • Explain inter-relationships between adversity, toxic stress, trauma and illness

  • Explain the current science on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 


Intended Audiences

K-12 Educators, Building Administrators

Course Type

Self-Paced

Recommended # of PLUs

1 PLU







Course Contact: Ellen Reinhardt