Derek Clark’s inspiring programs include childhood trauma informed training for school teachers. School teachers who are trained on childhood trauma can create a secure environment, validate the student’s feelings, have a caring tone and the right body language, as well as create healing experiences.
We believe childhood traumatic stress can be treatable, and there are highly effective treatments available to help children and their families.
Why Should You Care About Childhood Trauma?
The human brain is not fully developed at birth. Accelerated brain development occurs in the first years of life and then stabilizes in childhood and adolescence. The impact on brain biology and development from exposure to severe forms of stress and trauma are not immediately visible.
Adults that have suffered early childhood trauma report adverse childhood events (or ACEs), such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, parents were alcoholics or addicts and incarceration of a parent. They have reported that this had a negative effect on their life.
Everything we know about the impact of toxic stress on children’s developing brains tells us that we must pay more attention to children’s learning and education in the context of adverse experiences.
Problems with emotional regulation that result from maltreatment can also interfere with truancy, dropout, school performance and with difficulties in language and communication development. Even college-age students who have a history of childhood trauma may encounter problems with their post-secondary education.
Children who have been through the foster care system are particularly at risk. Collaboration between families and school connections are especially important factors that can promote learning, even under the most challenging circumstances.
Through our research, we have found that different educational settings should include staff who are knowledgeable about trauma and its symptoms. More importantly, school ecosystems, made up of compassionate and empathetic school personnel, must be capable of and prepared to provide children with safe, supportive environments. Therefore, creating effective solutions requires a multi-generational approach, one that focuses not only on affected children but also on adults.
Take Action Now!
Toxic stress and trauma in childhood are a public health crisis. Unlike infectious diseases, trauma cannot be disinfected, cannot be vaccinated against, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Shame and secrecy keep it a hidden problem. To promote wellness throughout a lifetime, it is necessary to invest in the needs of future generations collectively.
Derek Clark is an inspiring keynote speaker who specializes in childhood trauma. In his past, he managed to escape massive childhood trauma, abuse, abandonment, foster care and found a way to inspire others with solutions. If you are looking for an inspiring motivational speaker during the Covid-19 pandemic, Derek is available to deliver virtual keynote presentations and online training.
Contact us today for more information!
