This presentation offers practical strategies for working in Early Learning contexts to support young children who have experienced trauma. This approach has been developed after many years of study and working with children at Yuille Park Community College which is situated in highly vulnerable area of Ballarat, Victoria. This school caters for a majority of children and families from trauma backgrounds, as does the kindergarten which is located on campus with the primary school. The kindergarten has a National Quality Standard Exceeding rating.
Initially, participants will gain an insight into behaviours that indicate trauma in young children, and will be encouraged to think about their actions and interactions with children who have experienced trauma. The aim is to introduce a pedagogical approach that outlines practical ways to support inclusion and belonging that can counter the negative effects of trauma.
Secondly, the overarching leadership model that has been developed in a cooperative approach between the school, the kindergarten and allied health services, and the importance of investing in the early years, will be discussed.