Validating the barriers and enablers for teachers accessing professional development of trauma informed pedagogy

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) include several types of childhood abuse and neglect. These range from physical and emotional abuse, and exposure to community, parental and school violence, to child exploitation and incarceration of a parent (among others). Compounding such ACEs is the presence of factors such as disability, poverty, and discrimination. The overall objective for this research project was to explore the barriers and enablers for mainstream teachers to access professional development opportunities focused on trauma informed pedagogy to enrich outcomes for children affected by developmental trauma.