Being the Helper: Trauma Informed Care for Young Children

Leader – Sarah Erdman 
In an uncertain world, educators are now looked to as caregivers, academic foundation builders and one of the first lines of defense for children who have faced trauma. We want to be the helpers, but what does that look like? In this session we will explore trauma and trauma informed care, rooted in practical curriculum and environmental applications for young children. We will also look at how to recognize when we, and other helpers, are in need of care and what that can look like.   
Sarah Erdman is an early childhood educator, museum professional, and mom. She has degrees in Child Development, Museum Education (MAT), and a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education and was the lead author on “Trauma and Young Children: Teaching Strategies to Support and Empower.  For over a decade, Sarah has taught children ages 3–5 and is currently Director and Lead Teacher at FB Meekins Cooperative Preschool.