Supporting Children Who Are Experiencing Stress

Although very young children do not fully understand when a stressful situation is happening, they can pick up on the anxiety and emotions of their caregivers, and become distressed. Children exposed to stressors and trauma need extra support to feel safe and calm. Child Care Aware has published a white paper on how to support young children who are experiencing stress. While this resource was created for child care professionals, the strategies described can also be used by early intervention personnel and parents. Download, print, and share the handout below!

The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge and role-specific competencies needed for early intervention service provision, incorporating current research and evidence in the field of early intervention. To access the ESPM, CLICK HERE.

This resource is related to the following ESPM knowledge-level competencies:

Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-i):
- IFSP-i6 (EIA): Is aware of the need for developmentally appropriate strategies (for example, hands-on, experiential, child-centered, play-based activities within daily routines), adaptations, assistive technologies and other supports that maximize the child’s learning opportunities.