Children who have been exposed to trauma can have considerable reactions that can interfere with learning and behavior. Understanding and sensitively responding to the unique needs and behaviors of all young children and families is hard work. However, schools can serve as a critical system of support for children who have experienced trauma. Early care and learning programs, in partnership with families, can help ensure children have the best start possible.
Responding Positively to Your Child’s Behavior
Children sometimes misbehave or exhibit challenging behavior. How a parent responds can make a big difference in how a child develops. Find tips and tools to learn how to positively respond to children's behavior.
Biting: A Fact Sheet for Families
Biting is a common but upsetting behavior of toddlers. It's key for parents to address biting when it occurs. Use this fact sheet to find tips on how to better understand issues around biting.
Understanding Children's Behavior as Communication
Explore ways early childhood staff can partner with families to understand and respond to children's behavior as communication. Find strategies for working with families of children ages birth to 5.
Behavior Has Meaning
Learn how children's behavior is a form of communication and has meaning. Discover strategies adults can use to interpret children's needs, intentions, and emotions while supporting their social and emotional development.
Understanding and Managing Young Children’s Behavior
Explore ways to understand infants' and toddlers' social and emotional development. Learn how parents and staff can develop proactive strategies to support children's development.
Social-Emotional Development and Challenging Behaviors
Social and emotional skills are integral to children’s healthy development and their success in school and life. When staff and parents learn effective responses to challenging behavior, children are more likely to have positive relationships and successful experiences in school. Use this resource to identify strategies that best support children who may be struggling to engage appropriately with others or to express their emotions.
Understanding and Eliminating Expulsion in Early Childhood Programs
Research shows high-quality, supportive early childhood programs have a positive effect on the lives of infants, young children, and families. Find resources and strategies to learn ways to reduce and eliminate expulsions and help support young children's readiness for school and lifelong success.
Challenging Behavior: Prevention Strategies for Children With Disabilities
Children often engage in challenging behaviors because there is a message they are trying to communicate. In this webinar, listen as presenters discuss prevention strategies for challenging behaviors.
Supporting Children With Challenging Behavior
Head Start teachers often struggle to support children with challenging behaviors in the classroom. This webinar shifts the focus from reacting to misbehavior to proactive planning for child’s success. Explore strategies for teachers as well as free and accessible resources for supervisors.
« Go to Trauma: Responding to Crises and Fostering Recovery
Read more:
Stress, resilience and trauma, Challenging behaviors
Resource Type:Article
National Centers:Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
Last Updated: October 29, 2020