Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839
MADISON – First Lady Tonette Walker joined employees from The Playing Field, an early child care and education center, today in Madison to discuss the importance and effectiveness of trauma-informed care within early care centers.
“Trauma-informed care is necessary for improving the lives and well-being of children, families, and communities everywhere,” said First Lady Walker. “Children who experience toxic stress, such as homelessness and community violence, often have challenges in early education settings. Trauma-informed child care staff assist parents and children in forming relationships, regulating and controlling emotions, and managing impulse control. As The Playing Field demonstrates, creating trauma-informed early learning spaces and services promotes resilience and leads to a reduction in child expulsion and staff turnover.”
Earlier this summer, First Lady Walker worked closely with Representatives Gallagher (WI) and Davis (IL), to introduce House Resolution 443 (H. Res. 443) to the House Floor on July 13. It is the first trauma-specific bill initiated in the House with bipartisan support. The resolution promotes national recognition of trauma-informed care and raises awareness about the nature and impact of trauma, the importance of prevention, the impact Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can have on brain development, and the numerous benefits of trauma-informed care. It further encourages the use of trauma-informed care within existing federal government programs and agencies.
At home in Wisconsin, the First Lady continues to promote Trauma-Informed Care through her Fostering Futures initiative. Fostering Futures, which launched in 2011, utilizes trauma-informed care to transform systems and raises awareness about the importance of better recognizing, understanding, and addressing the effects of trauma and toxic stress on the lives of children and families throughout Wisconsin and the nation.
