Embedding Trauma-Informed Strategies Within a Multitiered System of Supports: A Framework for Early Childhood...

Area of Science:

• Early Childhood Education
• Developmental Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Program-wide Positive Behavior Supports (PW-PBIS) is a data-driven, multitiered model for addressing young children's social-emotional and behavioral needs.
• PW-PBIS is effective in early childhood education for preventing negative outcomes and promoting positive development.
• Existing literature on PW-PBIS often neglects the impact of early adversity and trauma on child outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose evidence-guided approaches for adapting the PW-PBIS framework using a trauma-informed lens.
• To provide practical, trauma-informed adaptations of interventions and supports across each tier of the PW-PBIS model.
• To illustrate the application and utility of a trauma-informed PW-PBIS model through a case example.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on PW-PBIS and trauma-informed practices.
• Development of specific, trauma-informed adaptations for each tier of the PW-PBIS model.
• Presentation and discussion of a data-based case example demonstrating the model's application.

Main Results:

• The paper outlines practical, trauma-informed strategies for implementing PW-PBIS interventions and supports.
• A case example demonstrates the successful application of a trauma-informed PW-PBIS approach in an early childhood setting.
• The study highlights the need for integrating trauma-informed principles into existing behavioral support frameworks.

Conclusions:

• Adapting PW-PBIS with a trauma-informed lens is crucial for effectively supporting young children with diverse needs.
• The proposed trauma-informed PW-PBIS model offers a practical framework for practitioners.
• Further empirical research is needed to validate the effectiveness of trauma-informed PW-PBIS models.