Core Competencies for Trauma Informed and Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Over the last 20 years significant progress has been made in what we know about the impact of trauma, adversity and toxic stress on early childhood development.  Nonetheless, as pediatrician Jack Shonkoff of the Center on the Developing Child, has stated, "there remains a substantial gap between what we know and what we do." Closing this gap requires a workforce that is knowledgeable about trauma and its impact on development, and who can employ skills and strategies that prevent, reduce and ameliorate its effect on young children. Toward this goal, Multiplying Connections has developed the following set of core competencies for trauma informed and developmentally appropriate care to guide organizations and individuals who provide services to young children and their families.