Hiram – Hiram College is pleased to announce the first certificate program at the graduate level in trauma-informed education. Offered fully online, the new certificate is designed to support professionals working in education and education-related environments in meeting the needs of children and adolescents who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma.
“We are very excited about to offer this program to graduate students looking for additional training,” said Rob Bohrer, Ph.D., vice president of academic affairs and dean of the College. “It fills a growing need in addressing all learners in a variety of fields and we look forward to the program starting in the near future.”
The new program will address foundational knowledge of ACEs and childhood trauma, while looking at short- and long-term impacts of trauma on development and behavior, and the role of brain architecture and development in understanding and responding to trauma. It will also explore Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) in promoting relationships and resilience based on emerging research about mitigating the impacts of trauma. Additionally, culturally and individually responsive understandings will guide all readings and discussions. The program recognizes that adults working with children often experience secondary trauma and encourages self-care strategies.
Given that the COVID-19 pandemic is now considered collective trauma, the need for knowledge, strategies, and resources to help students ranging from kindergarten through grade 12 is even more critical. The new certificate program will provide educators and other professionals with the skills to implement best practices and to promote a safe learning environment for all students, especially those who have experienced trauma.
“Hiram College is excited to offer a program that supports the challenging work of teachers and education-related professionals as they interact with children and adolescents dealing with trauma,” said Roxanne Sorrick, Ed.D., professor of education. “Our certificate in trauma-informed education uses research and best practice to empower professionals with the background knowledge and strategies necessary to meet the needs of children.”
The certificate program is comprised of four courses, including Basics of Childhood Trauma; Childhood Trauma: Brain Development; Relationships and Resilience; and Trauma-Responsive: Managing Behaviors for a total of 12 graduate semester hours. Courses are offered online in an asynchronous and 8-week format, and they may be taken individually without enrolling in the certificate program.
