Is it Stress or Trauma? How We Can Support Children in School by Sharon Bacharach EdD, LCSW

What is a child’s behavior trying to tell you—and are we sometimes missing the real story? In early childhood settings, challenging behaviors can easily be misread. Children who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may display symptoms that mirror those of ADHD—leading to misdiagnoses and missed opportunities for healing. Understanding the difference is critical to offering the right support.

In this insightful and practical webinar, Sharon Bacharach, Ed.D., L.C.S.W., will guide you in recognizing the behavioral signals of trauma and stress in young children. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a social worker and early childhood educator, Dr. Bacharach will help you explore how trauma presents in the classroom and what educators can do to respond with empathy and effectiveness. You’ll learn when to dig deeper, how to distinguish between trauma and other behavioral challenges, and which classroom strategies can help children feel safe, supported, and regulated. Walk away with a toolbox of concrete ideas you can implement immediately to better support the children in your care.

Learning objectives, participants will be able to: 
• Understand their role as educators when working with children who have experienced stress or trauma.
• Recognize signs in children that may indicate exposure to trauma.
• Lead activities that support children's self-regulation.