What Influences Early Childhood Special Education Teachers’ Use of Trauma-Informed Practices in Pyramid Model Classrooms?

The need for trauma-informed care in early childhood special education settings is well established. Previous research has suggested that training is a primary driver for use of trauma-informed care. However, not all U.S. states require training on trauma-informed care, suggesting that other factors might be influencing early childhood special education teachers’ use of trauma-informed care. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore what is influencing how early childhood special education teachers in Pyramid Model sites use trauma-informed care. In this qualitative research study, we recruited twelve early childhood special education teachers from Pyramid Model implementation sites to participate in two semi-structured interviews. We identified five main factors that participants shared as influences on their use of trauma-informed care: (a) school curriculums and frameworks, (b) experiences with children and families, (c) personal experiences with trauma, (d) previous training, and (e) colleagues. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.