Students experiencing homelessness have immediate school needs that range from transportation to supplies. However, many students have additional needs that stem from chronic stress and trauma. Those unique needs must be addressed in order for students to thrive academically and socially. There is much evidence to suggest that taking a trauma-sensitive approach can increase a student’s chance at school success. This page highlights trauma-sensitive resources and research in three main areas:
- Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
- Fostering Secure Attachments
- Developing Non-Cognitive Skills
Resources:
- Communications Guide for McKinney-Vento Liaisons
- Helping Traumatized Children Learn
- Matrix of Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for School Success
- Meeting the Unique Learning Needs of Students Exposed to Trauma
- NYS-TEACHS Info-Brief: Trauma-Sensitivity and School Success
- TED Talk: How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime (Dr. Nadine Burke Harris)
- Trauma-Sensitive School Checklist
- Video: What is “Trauma-Informed Practice”?