Considerations for Incorporating Trauma-Informed Care Content within Special Education Teacher Preparation and Professional Development Programs

Abstract

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is the practice of consciousness and awareness of trauma that guides educators in developing academic and behavioral support for students with exceptionalities who have experienced trauma. TIC can support students from the lens of Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The purpose of this article is to explore the integration of TIC practices within classrooms that utilize the MTSS framework and to assist pre-service and in-service teachers with implementing TIC practices within inclusive and restrictive K-12 learning environments.