This website provides resources on mental health and trauma-informed care for educators. It offers strategies, tools, and information on supporting students who have experienced trauma, as well as promoting mental well-being in schools. The site includes guidance on creating safe and supportive learning environments, recognizing signs of trauma, and implementing evidence-based interventions.
Grades
All grade levels Pre-K–12
Subjects
Health Education, Social Studies, Guidance and Counseling, Special Education.
Students
All students, particularly those who have experienced trauma, have mental health challenges, or require additional emotional and psychological support.
Support for Inclusive Education
This resource helps educators implement trauma-informed practices, ensuring that students feel safe, supported, and valued in the classroom. It aligns with inclusive education principles by recognizing diverse student needs and promoting equity in mental health support. Teachers can use it for professional development, classroom management, and individualized student support.
Who Can This Resource Help?
Helps the following groups by:
Teachers and Educators
Providing tools to recognize trauma and implement supportive practices,
Offering training on trauma-informed teaching and mental health awareness, and
Helping teachers understand trauma responses and apply de-escalation techniques.
Students
Promoting mental well-being in school settings,
Supporting those who experience anxiety, PTSD, depression, or stress, and
Supporting equitable mental health support tailored to the needs of neurodiverse students.
School Counselors, Administrators, and Support Staff
Providing trauma-informed intervention strategies,
Supporting school-wide policies on mental health and well-being, and
Integrating individualized support for students with emotional and psychological needs.
How Can This Resource Help?
Promotes inclusive and Trauma-Informed Education by:
Recognizing that students’ behaviours are often responses to trauma rather than intentional misbehaviour,
Helping educators create safe, predictable, and supportive classrooms, and
Encouraging restorative discipline instead of punitive measures.
Builds Mental Health Awareness by:
Helping teachers identify signs of trauma and distress,
Providing strategies to support emotional regulation in students, and
Encouraging self-care for educators to prevent burnout.
Implements Evidence-Based Interventions by:
Providing research-backed strategies to help students manage trauma,
Encouraging collaborative approaches between educators, families, and mental health professionals, and
Aligning with inclusive education principles by ensuring all students have equitable access to mental health support.
This resource is essential for educators looking to create emotionally supportive learning environments. Would you like a specific focus on any area, such as classroom strategies or professional development?
The "Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Care" resource from the Nova Scotia Department of Education primarily provides guidance and strategies for educators. While it offers valuable information on supporting students' mental health and well-being, including trauma-informed practices, it is more tailored to teachers and school staff than families. The focus is on helping educators create a supportive, inclusive classroom environment and effectively address the needs of students who may be dealing with mental health challenges or trauma. While families may also find some helpful tips, the resource is intended more for professionals working directly with students in educational settings. It’s about equipping educators with tools to better support students, rather than offering direct mental health resources for families.
The "Ensouling Our Schools" teacher's manual is a resource that supports educators in incorporating mental health, well-being, and reconciliation frameworks into their teaching practices. It includes practical tools, strategies, and frameworks to promote mental wellness in the classroom for students. Designed for use with diverse learners across various grade levels, the resource aligns with inclusive education practices by addressing student mental health and incorporating cultural perspectives into classroom activities.
Ensouling Our Schools is a resource that focuses on integrating mental health, well-being, and reconciliation within educational settings. It offers strategies for inclusive teaching practices, emphasizing Universal Design for Learning to support diverse student needs. This resource can help educators create inclusive environments by promoting emotional, social, and academic development. It is valuable for teachers across grade levels (K-12) in subjects such as Social Studies, Health Education, and more. The framework enhances educators' understanding of supporting all students, particularly those facing mental health challenges or from marginalized backgrounds.