Trauma Informed Practice
Trauma Informed Practice
Children’s exposure to trauma can have both a short- and long-term impact on relationships, self-regulation, learning, physical and emotional health, and well-being (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2018). It is estimated that two thirds of children in the U.S. experience at least one trauma while 11 % experience three or more (National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016).
Given the significant number of youth exposed to trauma and its far-reaching effects into adulthood, there has been a shift toward implementation of trauma-informed practices and the creation of trauma-sensitive systems of support across the fields of education, human services, and health services. This certificate program provides the requisite knowledge and competencies professionals must acquire to meet the needs of children who are exposed to trauma and facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration.
This certificate program is designed for in-service teachers, health practitioners, and human service practitioners. The unique curricular design allows for specialization in one’s field, as well as exposure to the nature of care and approaches in related disciplines.
REQUEST INFOarrow_right_alt APPLY nowarrow_right_alt
Program Formats:

Credits Required: 12
Tuition:
- $525/Credit
- 10% Alumni Scholarship
Program Outcomes:
- Assess the short- and long-term impact of trauma on the developing child.
- Implement trauma-informed approaches within their field of practice.
- Establish cross-system collaborations with other practitioners serving children and families experiencing trauma.
This certificate is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) resulting in the wareding of the PDE Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness of PK-12 Student endorsement.
Trauma Informed Practice Certificate Requirements
Sample Progam Schedule:
TERM: | FALL I | FALL II | SPRING I | SPRING II |
COURSE: |
TIC 500
|
TIC 510
|
TIC 520
The Impact of Trauma on Brain Architecture and Child Development |
TIC 530
Trauma Informed Practice |
Click on the course below for the description:
This course focuses on the definition of trauma, types of trauma, trauma prevalence rates within specific populations, and factors that contribute to and buffer against the development of traumatic stress reaction (TSR). Additionally, signs of secondary traumatic stress experienced by professionals working with children exposed to trauma and self-care strategies are provided. (3 credits)
This course examines the rationale for developing trauma-sensitive systems that serve children and families, and the guiding principles, policies, practices and capacity to initiate, create and sustain school and organization systems that are responsive to the needs of children exposed to trauma. Students develop an action plan to advocate for increased cultural sensitivity in their work settings. (3 credits)
This course examines how toxic stress reaction to childhood trauma can alter brain structure and, in turn, affect attention, self-regulation, decision-making, learning, as well as physical and emotional health and well-being. The ameliorating effects of establishing safe and secure environments in which children live and learn and healthy connections to adults and peers are also explored. (3 credits)
This course focuses on trauma-informed practices that prevent, mitigate and remediate the neurodevelopmental impact of trauma, and examines the recommended resources and processes to implement an integrated care system. Students participate in synchronous and asynchronous forums to apply trauma-informed practices and collaborative approaches through case study analysis. (3 credits)
Career Outlook
Professionals in the following careers or who are aspiring to enter these careers (or related careers) will greatly benefit from the in-demand specialized skillsets developed through this program:
- Mental Health and Behavioral Counseling
- Registered/Practical Nurse
- Human Services
- Youth and Career Counseling
- Social Work
- Health Education and Counseling
- Healthcare Therapists
- Healthcare Patient Support
- Mental Health Therapy
- Teachers in general and Special Education
Source: Burning Glass Technologies ©


Meet Your
Program Director

Dr. Peter Licona, Co-Chair, Graduate Education
Dr. Peter Licona holds a B.S. in Secondary Education Biology from Kutztown University, a M.S. in Biology from Bloomsburg University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from The Pennsylvania State University. He has spent the last 25 years within the field of education and has taught kindergarten to graduate level courses.
As the coordinator of the graduate programs in education at Elizabethtown College, I am pleased to welcome you to the exciting next step in your professional journey. As a proponent of lifelong learning, I recognize the value of a quality graduate education. A graduate degree in education from Elizabethtown College will afford educational professionals many rewards: deeper pedagogical content knowledge, access to research-based educational literature, collaborative experiences with colleagues, and improved teaching practice.
Our experienced Admissions staff is here to help. Fill out a brief contact form and one of our counselors will reach out to guide you on your way.