Implementing a trauma-informed approach to an educational setting will benefit all students, not just those who have experienced trauma in the past (Cole et al., 2005).

“Although there are differences in the way each traumatic event may affect a child, the fact is that all kinds of adversity have the potential to impede progress at school” (Cole et al., 2013, p. 6).

The best approach is to make sure we provide trauma-sensitive learning environments for all children. In a school-wide trauma sensitive culture, educators will gradually develop an awareness that traumatic experiences may be at the heart of a student’s learning, behavior, or relationship difficulties. As this awareness grows into a deeper understanding, educators will see how a trauma-sensitive environment can help children who are struggling feel safe, connected to the school, and engaged in learning. (Cole et al., 2013, p. 9)