Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences, Adversity & Trauma University Certificate in Continuing Education

Course overview

Consider what it means to grow up around poverty, abuse, mental illness, addiction, domestic violence, neglect and imprisonment. These experiences can lead to relational and developmental trauma, attachment difficulties, toxic stress and maladaptive behaviours, leading to difficulties for the life course and impacting future generations.

Dive into the steps taken to help children and young people:

• cope with ACEs, adversity and trauma
• manage their emotions and behaviours
• improve their physical and mental health and well-being
• develop resilienceto survive and thrive in their education and future.

You also examine approaches to working with traumatised children and apply the, to the community, school and home. Secondary trauma and the importance of self-care is also be explored.

This short course is designed for practising teaching assistants and teachers and may be delivered outside of working hours so you can attend.

The course delivery is flexible and can be done face-to-face or online on a timeline that fits with your school. Courses can be run over a number of days, half days, evening classes or twilight sessions (after school). Courses can also be delivered each half-term to suit the needs of your school, with start dates available across the school year.

Teaching can take place over six four-hour sessions, 12 two-hour sessions or eight three-hour sessions x 3 hours to suit your needs.

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Course details

What you study

You study:

• ACEs, adversity and trauma
• different types of trauma
• typical and atypical child development
• relational and developmental trauma
• attachment difficulties and disorders
• the impact of ACEs, adversity and trauma on physical and mental health
• the impact of ACEs, adversity and trauma on educational outcomes and life chances
• interventions for supporting and healing trauma
• trauma-informed approaches used in the community, families and school.

How you learn

You are taught through theory-focused lectures and intervention-focused seminars.

How you are assessed

You complete a critical evaluation of a case study of a child or young person experiencing an adverse childhood. You suggest the impact of that childhood on their physical and mental health, learning, education and future, and recommend suitable interventions to manage and support them. You are also required to complete a reflection on how your completion of the case study influences your professional practice.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

You must be working in an appropriate educational setting.

Employability

Career opportunities

CPD opportunity