Understanding Poverty & Trauma: Fostering Resiliency in Early Childhood

Catalog description

This course explores the interconnected impacts of poverty and trauma on young children (birth-8 years) and their families. Grounded in theory, research, and evidence-based practice, students will examine how economic hardship and adverse experiences shape development within psychological, neurobiological, and ecological systems contexts. The course emphasizes the ways in which poverty and trauma intersect to influence children’s well-being, learning, and behavior, as well as the critical role of early educators in responding with empathy, intentionality, and strength-based practices that nurture resilience in young children and their families. Students will critically analyze the meanings of poverty and trauma within diverse cultural contexts, reflect on their own perspectives and potential biases, and develop strategies to create trauma-informed, equity-focused early learning environments that foster healing, resilience, and long-term well-being.