Maltreatment during the first three years of life is of utmost concern. Not only are the numbers of harmed infants and toddlers staggering, maltreatment during this vulnerable period alters children's development in such a way that it robs them of reaching their full human potential. As an infant-toddler child-care provider, you are a "first responder" to this national crisis, playing a key role in the early identification of maltreatment and unhealthy patterns of development. You can be a gateway to healing.In Trauma-Sensitive Care for Infants, Toddlers, and Two-Year Olds, discover practical advice and strategies to nurture harmed children and start them on the path to healing.Create spaces that communicate safety.Provide predictable routines.Nurture connectedness and attachment.Use rhythm to support brain development.Nurture healthy social-emotional development.Use play to encourage self-regulation and self-confidence.Care for yourself so you can care for children. To recover and develop resilience in the face of adversity, infants and toddlers need fully present, playfully engaged, calm, and invested caregivers. There is no margin for error.

What does a harmed child look like? It's the little girl on the playground who has mysterious bruises on her legs. It's the three-month-old baby boy who arches his back when you try to hold him. It's the four-year-old who bites and hits when asked to clean up. These are the faces of traumatized children.As an early childhood professional, you play a key role in the early identification of maltreatment and unhealthy patterns of development. You are also the gateway to healing. In Reaching and Teaching Children Exposed to Trauma , you will find the tools and strategies to connect with harmed children and start them on the path to healing.Dr. Sorrels offers practical strategies that caregivers need to help these littlest victims.Connecting with a harmed child using games, music, gentle touch, and playMeeting children's sensory needs throughout the day: morning arrival, group time, meal times, outdoor play, and naptimeCreating a sensory-rich classroom environment with easy, simple ideasTeaching a traumatized child self-regulation skills and impulse control using visual cues, rehearsal and role play, games, and scripted storiesCoaching and supporting social skills: turn taking, sharing, joining in play, empathy, and conflict resolutionCommunicating unconditional love and acceptance to children from hard placesAWARD WINNER!2016 Academics' Choice Smart Book Award