Trauma-Aware Early-Years Practice
Some children arrive at your setting carrying more than others. This workshop helps educators recognise possible signs of trauma, respond with sensitivity, and understand where the boundaries of the educator role sit — including when and how to refer on appropriately, in line with Children First guidance.
Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.
Who this is for
For educators, room leaders and managers who want a trauma-aware lens on their practice, within clear professional boundaries.
What we cover in the hour
- What 'trauma-aware' means for an educator, distinct from trauma-informed clinical practice.
- Possible behavioural and developmental signs that may indicate a child is under stress.
- Creating predictability and safety for children who need it most.
- Language and responses that avoid re-traumatising a child.
- The boundaries of the educator role and when to seek further support.
- Referral pathways and working with your Designated Liaison Person under Children First.
What you'll leave with
- A trauma-aware practice checklist for your room.
- Language guidance for sensitive, non-judgemental responses.
- A clear map of your professional boundaries.
- A referral pathway reminder aligned with your setting's Children First procedures.
- Confidence to raise a concern appropriately with your DLP.
Inside the booklet
The booklet includes the trauma-aware practice checklist and a summary of referral pathways to keep alongside your setting's child protection procedures.
This workshop supports Síolta Standard 1, Rights of the Child, and is delivered in line with Children First (Tusla) guidance; Amy is Children First trained and a Mandated Person.
How it can be delivered
| Format | Price |
|---|---|
| Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed | €20 per person |
| Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand | €35 per person |
| Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135) | from €25 |
| Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5 | €35 per person |
| Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6 | €45 per person |
No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.
Common questions
- Is Amy a qualified trauma therapist?
- No. Amy is an early years professional currently completing a postgraduate qualification in Play Therapy; she is not a qualified play therapist and this workshop is educational, not therapeutic.
- Does this session tell us how to treat trauma?
- No, it stays firmly within the educator's role: recognising possible signs, responding with sensitivity and knowing referral pathways. Treatment sits with qualified therapeutic professionals.
- How does this fit with our existing Children First training?
- It complements it directly. This workshop is not a substitute for statutory Children First training but builds practical, everyday awareness that supports it, and Amy is herself Children First trained and a Mandated Person.
- Will we learn to identify which children have experienced trauma?
- The workshop covers possible indicators to be aware of, but it does not teach diagnosis or labelling of individual children — the focus is on sensitive, safe practice for all children.
- Is this suitable for a whole staff team?
- Yes, and it works particularly well as a full team session so that trauma-aware practice and referral pathways are understood consistently across your setting.
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More in this theme: Behaviour is communication · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates
Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.
Trusted early years resources
Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.
- Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA)
- Síolta: the National Quality Framework
- Children First national guidance (Tusla)
- First 5: Ireland's strategy for babies & young children
- Early Childhood Ireland
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