In today's episode, we're talking about how sensory regulation through a trauma-informed multi-tiered system of supports is the missing link in moving the needle for student success at your school.

My original research exposed that as a school counselor, I had spent over 500 hours on crisis intervention (putting out fires) in one academic calendar year. Statistically, knowing the prevalence of trauma in early childhood, I knew those hours weren't spent on willful disobedience, but on guiding students through survival strategies and fight-or-flight responses.

Schools that don't implement trauma-informed best practices and sensory support are likely not buffering students from the 60 percent of dysregulation triggers in the school environment.

That's why I created the Schools with GRIT®  Trauma-Informed Schools Maturity Audit, a free download to help you assess the need at your school and leverage Title funding to move the needle for school climate and achievement in your district.

Free Download Trauma-Informed Schools Maturity Audit:

https://na2.documents.adobe.com/public/esignWidget?wid=CBFCIBAA3AAABLblqZhDJA_ezzYln7EXqbR55ZVlY3SpMNpzzGjNsJ8qHjhOjuMYtgdiphjOOE7M68k8vg3A*

Schools with GRIT® Guide:

https://www.overcomingadversityllc.com/copy-of-online-trainings

Given the prevalence of screen use in children under two years of age, as a champion for child development and well-being, the negative impacts must be addressed.

There is a plethora of research that emphasizes the importance of healthy touch, serve-and-return patterns that build trust, and the chemical changes in the brain that either support or inhibit emotional regulation.

We will discuss the growing divide between recommendations for screen use and secure attachment, and some practical strategies and activities that are more developmentally sound, particularly in supporting children with adverse childhood experiences.

References:

The 5 Cs of Screen Use: The American Academy of Pediatrics

Join me as I welcome Tracy Redfearn on this episode of Guests with GRIT to highlight the power of protective factors within community partnerships.

We discuss the prevalence of adversity impacting students today and the benefits of empowering educators and parents with tools for resilience.

Pull up a seat and join the conversation on the benefits of creating safe spaces for children from hard places through trauma-informed schools and systems.

Tracy shares the successes and struggles of advocacy and her new resource as a practical support for managing big feelings in children.

For more information on Child and Family Resource Center and Tracy's book:

https://www.childandfamilyresourcefoundation.com/

Join me on the Schools with GRIT journey:

https://overcomingadversityllc.com

SETT® MY FEELINGS": AN ACTIVITY BOOK & HEALING JOURNAL

Join me on the latest episode of Guests with GRIT to explore the impacts of adversity and the power of protective factors through the lens of Senator Mike Reichenbach.

Lean in as we discuss his testimony of risk to resilience through his adoption journey and how his family shaped his heart for child advocacy.

We identify challenges of adversity, including the strain on systems such as schools, the medical system, corrections, and the workforce and discuss the findings of the Joint Legislative Committee on Children in South Carolina.

Our shared hope is a future with both policy and funding to inform our practices as we foster resilience and well-being for all.

Join me on the Guests with GRIT series where we will spend time hearing the stories of individuals who have overcome adversity in inspiring ways.

This episode highlights Tiffani, a self-proclaimed kid from hard places, as she gives testimony to the impact of early childhood trauma in her life.

In her account, she discloses childhood abuse that went unrecognized despite her prominent family's status and good intentions.

We will uncover the myth of willful disobedience and shift our eyes to the survival mode that is often misdiagnosed within the medical and school systems.

From ADHD to ODD, and now an auto-immune disorder, Tiffani shares how a Trauma-Informed school could have changed the trajectory of her healing journey for the better.

Felt-Safety is a powerful tool in the hands of educators and parents alike. Felt-safety means not just physically being safe, but feeling safe in one's environment. Children from hard places often have a hard time distinguishing real threats from perceived ones and can greatly benefit from some preventive measures of support.

Empowering educators and parents with practical tools to cut down on fight-or-flight behaviors is well worth the time spent on prevention, and eliminates the need for intervention. Join me as I relay tried and true, simple strategies to help children (and adults) have stress-free transitions.

Join me as we follow Brian, a student from hard places with a high ACE score on a typical school day. In this vignette, I will expose the missed opportunities of non-trauma-informed schools and highlight the preventive and protective factors of schools implementing these best practices. 

The stark contrast between the impact of not having support verses being supported during times of adversity can literally mean life-or-death. 

#AdverseChildhoodExperiences #ACEs #TraumaInformedSchools #ACEPrevention #Schools #SchoolCounselor #Education #EndSchoolShootings

Join me as I shine light on Adverse Childhood Experiences, the research, the impact on the developing brain, and what ACEs really look like in the classroom.

Please enjoy this free download full of trauma-informed school statistics and a call to action on pertinent legislation:

https://www.overcomingadversityllc.com/post/trauma-informed-schools-a-call-to-action

From my early days as a paraprofessional to my current role as a trauma-informed school consultant, the journey has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding.

Join me as I recount my early experiences working with high-risk students and shine light on the real issues facing students today.

Implementing a fully compassionate school model can pose challenges.

This episode highlights the importance of full staff buy-in and takes a peek into the positive outcomes of schools that have successfully implemented a trauma-informed model.

overcomingadversityllc.com

#traumainformedschools #education #school #traumainformed #highriskstudents #schoolcounselor