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• other 2026

  Trauma-Informed Care: Perspectives of Early Childhood Educators

  Kristin MacDonald — Honours Capstone Research Study, Sheridan College

  The purpose of this study was to examine Early Childhood Educators' (ECEs) perspectives on their knowledge, confidence, and the factors influencing their ability to implement Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). The guiding research question is: What are the perspectives of Early Childhood Educators in Southern Ontario on their preparedness to implement Trauma-Informed Care in their practice? This topic was explored through qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five Registered Early Childhood Educators working in Southern Ontario, all of whom had completed post-secondary Early Childhood Education training in the same region. The findings suggest that ECE's preparedness to implement TIC is shaped by multiple interconnected factors. Three key themes emerged: (1) post-secondary education shapes educators' confidence in implementing TIC, (2) workplace conditions influence educators' ability to apply trauma-informed practices, and (3) practice-based professional learning strengthens educators' confidence in TIC. This paper argues that educator preparedness is shaped by the interaction of pre-service education, workplace environments, and ongoing professional learning. These findings underscore the importance of embedding trauma-informed content within post-secondary education, fostering supportive workplace environments through policy, funding, and collaborative teams, and prioritizing practice-based professional learning to enhance educators' preparedness to implement TIC. The implications of this research include suggestions for integration of TIC within early learning settings, which is essential for effective practice. This research contributes to the growing literature on the subject of implementation of TIC in early learning settings.

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• other 2021

  Trauma-Informed Practice Workbook: For Anyone Dedicated to the Wellbeing of Children

  Tasha Palmer-Kerr, RECE, Eilish Medland, RECE, Kristin MacDonald, RECE, Kathryn Leroux, RECE, Samantha Leite, RECE, Nitali Tagger, MPH, Nicole Nosworthy, PhD, David Phillips, MSW — Jean Tweed Centre for Women and Their Families

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