PEAR Trauma Series: Children with Trauma Histories in Group Settings

Trainings on this page are designed for professionals working with groups of children in classroom or similar settings.

There is no cost to attend these events.

Are you a clinician, EI provider, child welfare worker, or other professional working with children one-on-one?
Click here for trainings designed for you.

Registration opens for each event one month in advance.
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Part 1: Becoming Trauma Aware

Part 1: Becoming Trauma Aware
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern (virtual)

The path to becoming trauma proficient begins with a basic understanding of trauma and what young children's reaction to trauma can look like in the context of their play and behaviors. The session will lay the foundation for understanding trauma by developing an awareness of what it is and how it reveals itself. We will discuss the basic definition and different types of trauma and trauma reactions. Then we will explore trauma in early childhood and what it can look like when processed through behavior.
Target audience: all professionals working with children in group settings.

"Becoming Trauma Aware" will be held again on Tuesday 8/25/2026, 8:00-9:30 AM Eastern.

Part 2: Becoming Trauma Informed

Part 2: Becoming Trauma Informed
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern (virtual)

With a basic awareness of what trauma response looks like in children, this session takes a step back to look at recent understanding of early brain development. We will share how babies' brains develop in tandem with close relationship building; how trauma disrupts both relationships and the building of "brain architecture" during this stage; and how strong relationships can build resilience when trauma is present.
Target audience: all professionals working with children in group settings.

"Becoming Trauma Informed" will be held again on Tuesday 9/1/2026, 8:00-9:30 AM Eastern.

Part 3: Toward Trauma Proficiency

Part 3: Toward Trauma Proficiency
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern (virtual)

This training applies information presented in “Becoming Trauma Informed.” Looking at a case study, the group will analyze trauma and relationship information that may indicate early traumatic experiences impacting the child’s current psychological functioning. We then will assess behaviors presented to: (i) identify program strengths that support children whose needs are met; and (ii) understand how to identify children whose history and behaviors may indicate a need to refer for services.
Target audience: all professionals working with children in group settings.

"Toward Trauma Proficiency" will be held again on Tuesday 9/15/2026, 8:00-9:30 AM Eastern.

NEW IN 2026: Secondary Traumatic Stress in Early Education Settings

Secondary Traumatic Stress in Early Education Settings (NEW!)
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern

Studies show that better emotional education in classrooms results in better social-emotional outcomes for children. Yet, classroom educators provide this emotional education to groups of kids with trauma histories and challenging behaviors, in classrooms where they often lack funding, training and resources. Meanwhile, school personnel are the largest group of mandated reporters. Not surprisingly, a significant majority of classroom staff report job-related stress and burnout.

Participants will discuss secondary traumatic stress (“STS”) and its relevance to these trends. We will define STS and two related problems, compassion fatigue and burnout. Then we will consider symptoms of these and how to develop resilience through a personal “compassion satisfaction plan” that protects their well-being and effectiveness in these settings.
Target audience: all professionals working with children in group settings.

"Secondary Traumatic Stress in Early Education Settings" will be held again on Tuesday 9/22/2026, 8:00-9:30 AM Eastern.