Trauma occurs when frightening or threatening situations overwhelm somebody’s ability to cope or deal with what has happened. Each person has their own response to such events. What is traumatic for one person might not be traumatic for another. However, traumatic events can have a big effect on the well-being of those who experience them.

Physical and mental health are interconnected, and it is important to consider them together in health services work.

Using a trauma-informed lens is an important part of Head Start health services. Head Start staff who understand the effects of trauma and provide nurturing environments for children can help them heal. Early childhood teaching approaches that promote safety will foster resilience and healing for everybody, not just children who have experienced trauma. Head Start services reduce the effect of adversity through the core values of family-centered, strengths-based  services that address everyone’s needs.

Physical and mental health are interconnected, and it is important to consider them together in health services work.

Last Updated: April 21, 2025