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Beyond the Behavior: A Trauma-Responsive Approach to Youth Substance Use 

The rising rates of substance use among youth—whether it’s vaping, alcohol, or other drugs—are an urgent and undeniable reality in our schools and communities. But what if we told you that substance use isn’t the problem? What if we looked beyond the behavior and saw it for what it truly is—a symptom of something deeper? 

As school professionals and leaders, we have a choice: we can continue to chase symptoms, reacting with punitive discipline that often reinforces harm, or we can commit to understanding why a young person turns to substances in the first place. 

At Starr Commonwealth, we believe in the power of Resilience-Focused Schools, where we recognize that behavior is communication and that every child can heal and grow when we meet their core needs. 

Addiction as a Response to Pain: What Are Students Really Telling Us? 

We often focus on what we can see—students vaping in bathrooms, smelling of smoke, or getting caught under the influence. But substance use is not about the nicotine, alcohol, or drugs themselves. It’s about the need those substances are temporarily filling. 

Young people turn to substances as a means of coping with overwhelming emotions—fear, anxiety, loneliness, stress, or trauma. When they don’t feel safe, when they lack a sense of belonging, or when life feels unpredictable, substances offer an escape. Addiction is not about seeking pleasure—it is about seeking relief. 

To make a lasting difference, we must first seek to understand rather than control. The question isn’t “How do we make them stop?” but rather “What pain is this child trying to numb?” 

The Circle of Courage: Meeting Needs Before Addressing Symptoms 

When we discipline students for substance use without addressing the why, we risk deepening their sense of disconnection and reinforcing the very emotions that led them to use in the first place. Suspension, exclusion, and shaming don’t solve the problem—they amplify it. 

Instead, we can turn to a strengths-based framework like Starr’s Circle of Courage® model, which identifies four universal needs that every young person must have met to develop resilience:

✔ Belonging – “Do I matter? Who truly sees me?” 
✔ Mastery – “Am I capable? Can I be successful in something meaningful?” 
✔ Independence – “Do I have agency and control over my life?” 
✔ Generosity – “Can I contribute? Do I have a purpose beyond myself?” 

Circle of Courage Folders

Substance use often signals a breakdown in one or more of these areas. If a student does not feel connected, confident, or valued, they will seek relief in whatever way is available—whether that’s vaping, drinking, or using other substances. 

Rethinking Our Response: From Punishment to Restoration 

It is easy to feel frustrated when students make harmful choices. But we must ask ourselves: Is our response helping them heal, or is it pushing them further into distress? 

Exclusionary discipline—suspension, expulsion, and zero-tolerance policies—often send the message: You are bad. You don’t belong here. And when a young person feels even more disconnected, their reliance on substances often increases, not decreases. 

Instead, we can shift our approach by: 

✔ Building Authentic Relationships – Before we can influence a student’s choices, we must first earn their trust. Young people need to know that we see them, we care, and we will not define them by their worst moments. A student who feels valued is less likely to seek validation in unhealthy ways. 

✔ Using Restorative Conversations – Rather than asking, “Why did you do this?” try “What’s going on with you?” or “What do you need right now?”. The goal is not to punish but to uncover the underlying emotions driving the behavior. 

✔ Offering Meaningful Alternatives – Instead of automatically suspending, consider interventions that rebuild connection rather than isolate. Some schools have introduced healing circles, mentorship programs, and peer accountability processes that allow students to take responsibility without being cast out. 

✔ Addressing Root Causes – This means looking beyond the incident to what is happening in the student’s life, school experience, and community. Are they struggling with mental health? Are they facing challenges at home? Are they feeling unseen and unheard? Until we address these factors, any intervention will be temporary at best. 

Beyond Discipline: Creating Pathways to Hope and Healing 

The way we choose to respond to student substance use will either open a door to healing or reinforce the very pain that fuels the behavior. We are not just educators, administrators, or school leaders—we are lifelines for students who may not have anywhere else to turn. 

This is not about ignoring consequences. It is about ensuring that the consequences we choose actually help, rather than harm. 

So, the next time you see a student struggling with substance use, pause before reacting. Instead of asking, “How do we punish this?”, ask “How do we heal this?” The answer may change everything. 

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Designing Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Creating Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

Picture this: you walk into a classroom that feels like a warm hug, where every corner whispers, “You belong here.” The walls aren’t just covered with posters but with reminders that every child is seen, heard, and supported. This is the heart of a trauma-informed classroom—a space where students learn, heal, and grow. Let’s dive into how you can create such a sanctuary, starting with practical tips on classroom layout, sensory considerations, and fostering a sense of safety and predictability.

Classroom Layout: A Space for Every Emotion

Think of your classroom layout as a roadmap to emotional safety. Every inch of your space can either invite calm or stir chaos. Start by creating distinct areas that serve different purposes. A cozy corner with soft pillows and dim lighting can become a retreat for students who need a break from the hustle and bustle—a place to self-regulate without feeling singled out. Add a few fidget tools and sensory objects for those who need a bit more to manage their emotions.

Consider arranging desks in clusters to promote collaboration, but also ensure there’s space for solo work. This arrangement offers flexibility, acknowledging that some students thrive in groups while others need solitude to focus. Don’t underestimate the power of natural light and plants, either. They’re not just for aesthetics; they help reduce stress and boost mood, making your classroom feel like a breath of fresh air—literally!

Sensory Considerations: Less is More (Except When It Isn’t)

When it comes to sensory inputs, classrooms can be a double-edged sword. Bright colors and bustling bulletin boards can be exciting but can also overwhelm students sensitive to sensory stimuli. Opt for a color palette that soothes—think soft blues, greens, and neutral tones. Consider using sound-absorbing materials like rugs or curtains to muffle the often chaotic classroom noise from the buzz of engaging learning taking place.

But sensory considerations aren’t just about reducing stimuli; sometimes, it’s about providing the ‘right’ kind. Incorporate sensory-friendly tools like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, or stress balls. Have a variety of options available so students can choose what works best for them as they continue to learn more about their own sensory needs. These minor adjustments can make a world of difference for a student trying to navigate both the lesson and their sensory world.

Safety and Predictability: The Pillars of Trust

Predictability isn’t just a preference in a trauma-informed classroom—it’s a lifeline. For students who have experienced trauma or toxic stress, unpredictability can trigger anxiety, making it difficult for them to focus on learning as their minds are consumed with the wonderings of ‘what ifs’ that could happen. Remember, stressed brains can’t learn! Establishing routines and clear expectations helps create a sense of safety. A visual schedule that outlines the day’s activities can be a game-changer for these students. They’ll know what’s coming next, and that little bit of knowledge can be incredibly reassuring while simultaneously developing a strong sense of independence and autonomy.

Consistency in your responses is equally important. Students should know what to expect from you, whether they’re having a great day or a challenging one. When they trust that you’ll be fair and steady, even when things get tough, they’ll feel safe enough to take risks and make mistakes—a crucial part of learning. Co-creating agreed-upon classroom norms and implementing them with fidelity is a proactive, universal support for all students!

Ready-to-Use Ideas for the First Day of School: Simple, Affordable, and Effective

Starting the school year with a trauma-informed mindset doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. Here are some easy-to-implement ideas that will set the tone for a safe and supportive learning environment from day one:

These small, affordable steps can make a big difference in how your classroom feels from the first day. They’re simple to implement but incredibly powerful in creating a trauma-informed environment where all students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Create a Welcome Board: Set up a simple bulletin board at the entrance of your classroom with a “Welcome” message and space for students to add their names or a small picture of something they love. This immediately tells students that they belong in this space.

Personalize Desk Tags: Instead of pre-made name tags, provide materials for students to decorate their own. Let them choose colors, add drawings, or write a word that describes them. This simple activity gives students a sense of ownership over their space.

Establish a Calm Down Corner: Designate a small area of your classroom as a “Calm Down Corner.” Stock it with soft pillows, a few sensory toys like stress balls, and a visual aid with calming techniques. You can easily create this space using items from a dollar store or even things you already have at home.

Daily Check-In Station: Set up a check-in station where students can indicate how they feel as they enter the classroom. Use something as simple as colored sticky notes or an emoji chart. This will give you a quick snapshot of your students’ emotional states and help them feel acknowledged.

Classroom Agreement Poster: On the first day, collaborate with your students to create a classroom agreement. Instead of a list of rules, ask them what they need to feel safe and supported. Write down their ideas on a large poster and have everyone sign it. This empowers students to take part in creating a positive classroom culture.

Sensory-Friendly Classroom Decorations: Use soft colors and limit clutter to keep decorations simple and sensory-friendly. If you’re on a budget, you can create calming wall displays using materials like construction paper or fabric remnants. Consider making a “quiet wall” with little to no decoration to give students a visual break.

Routine Reminders: On the first day, introduce simple visual cues that remind students of the classroom routine. Use hand signals, visual schedules, or chimes to signal transitions. These cues can be made with items like a bell or printed cards—affordable but powerful tools for creating predictability.

Introduce a Class Plant: Bring a tiny plant into the classroom and introduce it as the “class plant” everyone will take care of. This is an inexpensive way to add some green to your space and foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Gratitude Jar: Start a classroom gratitude jar. Provide slips of paper where students can write something they’re thankful for each day. At the end of the week, take a moment to read a few aloud. This simple practice encourages positivity and reflection, setting a warm tone for the year.

Mindful Moment to Start the Day: Begin each day with a short, guided, mindful moment. Start with a deep breathing exercise or a brief stretch. These exercises require no materials and just a few minutes of your time, and they set a calm, focused tone for the rest of the day.

Universal Support for All Students: Resilience at the Core

Here’s the beauty of a trauma-informed approach: it benefits every student, not just those who’ve experienced trauma. By designing a classroom that prioritizes emotional safety, you’re fostering resilience in all your students. You’re teaching them that it’s okay to ask for help, to take breaks, and to care for themselves and others.

As you transform your classroom, remember this: you’re not just rearranging desks and picking out paint colors. You’re building a community—a place where students feel safe enough to be themselves and brave enough to learn. And that, dear educators, is the true magic of teaching. So, roll up your sleeves, grab that staple gun, and turn your classroom into the safe haven every student deserves. Your students are ready to thrive; they just need the right environment to bloom. And who better to create it than you?

students in classroom doing yoga
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Five Ways to Create Trauma-Sensitive Spaces for Young Learners

Hello, amazing educators! Are you ready to create a classroom that feels like a warm hug? As early childhood teachers, you hold the magic wand that can transform a child’s world. Embracing the philosophy of Starr Commonwealth’s 10 Steps to Create a Trauma-Informed Resilient School, let’s explore practical, fun, and inspiring ways to make your learning space a haven of safety, love, and growth.

1. Establish Trust and Cultivate Compassionate Relationships

Think of your classroom as a cozy nest where trust and compassion grow. Greet each little one with a cheerful “Good morning!” and a smile. Use visual schedules to help kids know what to expect next—this can be as simple as a picture board showing snack time, storytime, and playtime. Consistency is key!

Become the friendly detective who uncovers each child’s unique story. Show genuine interest in their lives—remembering their pet’s name can make you a superhero in their eyes.

🌟Spark of Inspiration: Start each day with a circle time where everyone shares something they’re excited about. Keep a “Getting to Know You” notebook where you jot down fun facts about each child. Refer to it often to personalize your interactions.

2. Understand Trauma and Create a Positive Physical Environment

Knowledge is your superpower! Learn about trauma’s effects on a child’s brain and body so you can spot the signs and respond with empathy rather than frustration. Having a curious mindset about what each little learner has experienced or is currently experiencing empowers you to be open and responsive rather than reactive when difficulties arise.

Your classroom should be as inviting as a favorite storybook to support every developing mind. Your thoughtful design choices, such as soft lighting, cozy reading nooks with bean bags, and sensory-friendly corners with calming tools like stress balls and noise-canceling headphones, have a profound impact. This atmosphere promotes safety and healing, which allows the imagination to explore for every child, thanks to your influence!

🌟Spark of Inspiration: Continue investing in your learning journey about trauma and resilience. Share what you learn with your colleagues over a fun lunch-and-learn session. Transform a corner into a “Calm Down Cove” with soft pillows, stuffed animals, and a basket of sensory toys for kids to retreat when they need a break.

3. Implement Caring Discipline and Promote Emotional Literacy

Ditch the time-outs and bring in the “time-ins.” Focus on understanding why a child acts out rather than punishing the behavior. Let’s make this the year where we default to natural and logical consequences to help meet the needs of our children. Equip your little learners with the communication skills they need to express their big feelings. Use emotion cards, storytelling, and role-playing to teach them about different emotions.

🌟Spark of Inspiration: When a child is upset, have a “Peaceful Place” where they can sit and talk about their emotions with you. Play a game where kids pick a card with a face showing an emotion and then act it out. This makes learning about feelings fun and interactive while promoting play.

4. Foster Social Connections and Empower Student Voice

Foster a classroom community where everyone feels like they belong. Encourage teamwork and buddy systems to help kids build friendships and support each other. Let your kiddos be the captains of their little ships. Give them choices throughout the day to help them feel in control and valued.

🌟Spark of Inspiration: Pair up kids for a “Buddy Reading” session where they take turns reading to each other. Allow students to choose their morning activity from a few options like coloring, building blocks, or quiet reading time. This small choice can make a big difference in their engagement.

5. Integrate Mindfulness and Collaborate with Families

Introduce mindfulness as a magical tool for self-regulation. Simple practices like deep breathing and intentional, guided movements can help kids manage stress and stay calm. Build a bridge between home and school. Keep open lines of communication with caregivers and involve them in classroom activities and decisions. Send home resources families can engage in together to promote a healing environment at home, too!

🌟Spark of Inspiration:Start the day with a short “Mindful Moment”—have the kids close their eyes, take deep breaths, and listen to calming music for a few minutes. Host a monthly “Family Fun Night” where parents and children can participate in arts and crafts or storytelling activities. Activities like this strengthen the school community and reinforce the support network for the children.

An Invitation to Transform Lives

Dear educators, you are the heart and soul of your classrooms. By prioritizing trauma-sensitive practices, which involve understanding the impact of trauma on children’s lives and adjusting your approach to meet their needs, you are meeting your students’ universal needs and empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Let’s embark on this journey together, fostering environments where every child feels seen, heard, and cherished. Your dedication to creating trauma-sensitive environments will leave a lasting impact, shaping the future one child at a time. Thank you for your commitment, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives.

So, roll up your sleeves, put on your biggest smile, and make every classroom a beacon of hope and healing. Together, we can create a world where every child flourishes, no matter their starting point. Let’s sprinkle some magic in our classrooms and watch our students soar!

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Supporting Safe Experiences in Early Childhood Care

Are you passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment for young children? Well, you’ll love this topic – Supporting a physically and psychologically safe experience in Early Childhood Care. Let’s explore how we can create a warm and welcoming space that supports the growth and development of our little ones! Early childhood educators play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of safety and security for children in their care, especially for those who have experienced trauma or instability in their lives. Here are several strategies with supporting examples educators can use to help children feel safe:

Offer predictability.

Create a predictable environment by establishing and maintaining consistent routines. Knowing what to expect from their day can help children feel secure and grounded. Post visual cues and reminders about the daily schedule. Remind children often about what is coming up next.

First, we will have our morning meeting, and then when you hear the music start to play, we will move on to our centers.

Create a safe environment.

Design the classroom to be a welcoming and safe space. Ensure it is clean, well-organized, and filled with comforting materials. Areas that allow children to have their own space can also help them feel secure. Keep things simple, use color-coding or symbols to label supplies and toys.

If you want to read a book about animals look in the blue baskets. If you want to look at a book about fairies and unicorns look in the green baskets.

Be curious.

Respond and interact with children sensitively. Try to consider, “What has this child experienced?” Be attentive to children’s needs and respond to them caring and empathetically. Showing that you understand and care about their feelings can help build trust. The behavior you observe might be the only way a child can communicate their experience at this age. Does your body need a break right now? Maybe you can walk with me to get a drink of water.

Set expectations.

Set clear and consistent boundaries, rules, and expectations in an understandable way for children. Consistent boundaries can make the world seem more predictable and less frightening. Do not expect children to remember everything after only telling them once or twice. Remind children often about the boundaries, rules, and expectations. During our morning meetings, please keep your hands and feet to yourself.

Empower children.

Encourage autonomy and choice whenever possible. This can help them feel empowered and have a sense of control over their environment and experiences. Provide a limited number of simple choices to provide children with ownership without overwhelming them. Do you want to start with the ABC Center or the Science Center?

Connect.

Build strong, positive relationships with each child. A secure attachment with caregivers can be a significant source of comfort and safety for children. Have fun, play, and laugh with children.

Wow, I see a cat on your shirt, I have a cat at home named Fluffy.

Emotional awareness.

Recognize, name, and validate Feelings. Acknowledge children’s feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel however they do. This validation can help them feel understood and supported.

It is so sad when playground time is over. I know it is hard to stop swinging on the swings because you enjoy it so much.

Share your calm.

Model calmness and patience. Children are very perceptive and can pick up on the emotional states of adults around them. A calm presence can be very reassuring.

Let’s take a deep breath together. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Great. Let’s do that one more time.

Practice safety protocols.

Conduct regular safety drills (e.g., fire drills) in a way that is not frightening but empowering so children know what to do in an emergency.

We are going to practice what to do if our fire alarm ever sounds during that day. You don’t have to worry, there is not a fire now, but we are going to practice. In a few minutes, you will hear the siren and it will be very loud. When you hear the siren, go quickly to the side of the room and get into a line.

Collaborate with families and caregivers.

Work closely with families to understand the child’s background, any specific fears or triggers, and strategies that work well at home. This collaboration can ensure consistency and a deeper understanding of each child’s needs.

Let’s call your grandmother to tell her about your good morning painting with your friend. I think she was right, when you have a morning snack, you feel better.

By implementing these strategies, early childhood educators can create a secure, stable foundation, allowing children to explore, learn, and grow confidently.

Download the free resource below to start building deeper connections with the children in your care!