Currently, pre-and in-service training of early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce tends to overlook mental health topics related to children and the workforce. Under the Early Childhood Workforce Initiative (ECWI), the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) organized a 3-day online Foundational training on psychological first aid (PFA) and trauma-informed practices for young children and their caregivers from 9-11 May 2023.
In line with ECWI’s aim to ensure the early childhood workforce is well-prepared and empowered to provide quality services from birth to primary school entry, ISSA is working to embed themes of mental health and wellbeing into the pre-and in-service training of ECEC staff and support a scale up at the country level. In addition to organizing this training of trainers (ToT), ISSA will support it’s roll out in at least three countries.
Designed for experienced trainers in the early childhood development (ECD) field at the country level and emphasizes the importance of self-care for frontline workers, this ToT was attended by 30 individuals from ISSA member organizations in 15 countries. The cascade model aims to develop master trainers to equip them to train ECD professionals working directly with young children and families.
Developed by ISSA with Amna and War Child Holland to support those working with Ukrainian children and families being internally displaced and seeking refuge in neighboring countries due to the war in Ukraine, the ToT provides foundational training on PFA and trauma-informed practices for caregivers and practitioners working in challenging and adverse contexts.
“The training package and knowledge gained are useful. Considering our organizational needs and resources, we will definitely use it to train other practitioners in the future.”
— Training participant
The training consists of three main blocks:
- Key concepts and guiding principles for PFA
- Working with distressed children and caregivers
- Managing stress in professionals
Throughout the 3-day training, participants receive knowledge and support about working with children and caregivers in distressing situations, identifying signs of stress and trauma, administering PFA, building safe environments, and overcoming language barriers. Additionally, the training package includes supporting resources translated into eight languages.
Learn more about the Foundational training on psychological first aid (PFA) and trauma-informed practices for young children and their caregivers.
