1st Edition
Trauma-Informed Practice in Early Education Making a Lifetime’s Difference
Safety Notice – Read This First!
Introduction
Section 1: Understanding Trauma
1) How Our Brains Manage Stressful Events
2) Trauma and Young Children
3) Developmental Trauma
4) Recognising Trauma’s Impact in Our Settings
5) The Role of the Educator
Section 2: Trauma and Adversity in Early Education
Interlude - The Role of the Educator
6) Recovery After a Known Event
7) What Traumatised Children Need Help With
8) Positive Relationships 1 – The Building Blocks
9) Positive Relationships 2 – Establishing Safety
10) Positive Relationships 3 – Changing Children’s Worlds
11) Resilience 1 – What We Are Doing
12) Resilience 2 – Developing Safety
13) Resilience 3 – Developing the Self
14) Trauma and Neurodevelopmental Differences
Section 3: The Whole System
15) The Wider System
16) Working With Parents and Families
17) Staff Stress and Secondary Trauma
18) Promoting Staff Wellbeing
19) Staff Traumatic Memories
Glossary
References
Index
Biography
James McTaggart is an educational psychologist with nearly 20 years’ specialist experience in early childhood and psychological trauma. A popular trainer and speaker, he has worked with many children, practitioners, and families facing challenges and as a survivor of childhood trauma himself is passionate about applying this learning to help change lives.
"An essential resource for early years professionals, this book seamlessly bridges the gap between theory and practice, transforming trauma-informed theory into practical magic. This book equips educators with the understanding required to create safer, more responsive environments for young children." - Lisa Cherry, International Trainer, Consultant and author on trauma-informed practice
"This book is a gem of a find, it is full of so much information that is essential for those of us working in early years. The uniqueness of this book is how accessible it is. James is so skilled in explaining and unpicking a complex and heavy subject; he makes it understandable and leaves the reader feeling empowered to make a difference. I will be recommending this to all the staff I work with." - Sonia Mainstone-Cotton, Nurture Consultant and author
"I simply can’t recommend this book enough for those working with young children. James McTaggart provides readers with a clear description of how the brain and the stress system work. This complex subject is clearly explained, with detailed examples of how the body may respond when the threat response is activated. Valuable, detailed and practical examples of trauma-informed responses, ideas for soothing the stress system as well as simple play activities are provided, alongside reasons as to why these are effective. This book encourages reflective practice and is an essential read for those who wish to understand a range of behaviour through a trauma-informed lens." - Rachel Thynne, SEMH Outreach Lead Teacher and author of Behaviour Barriers and Beyond and Understanding Anxiety at School
