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OCA and EEC launch train‑the‑trainer program for trauma‑informed early childhood care
Summary
The Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Early Education and Care outlined a statewide train‑the‑trainer initiative for trauma‑informed early childhood education, with applications open, a full‑day session set for Oct. 7 and materials available in multiple languages.
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) and the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) hosted a virtual briefing to outline a new trauma‑informed, train‑the‑trainer program for early childhood educators, saying applications are open and a full‑day training is scheduled for Oct. 7. Presenters said the initiative will provide learning modules, follow‑up support and materials in multiple languages to help educators identify and respond to childhood trauma.
Why it matters: OCA and EEC officials said the program is intended to expand educators’ capacity across the state to recognize trauma‑related behavior and to deliver culturally responsive, practical strategies in classrooms. That training, they said, is part of a broader effort to reduce retraumatization and strengthen supports for children in care.
At the session, Joy Cowen, director of the Center for Child Well‑Being, a division of the Office of the Child Advocate, described the center’s role in the project: “Nuestra misión en este centro es para poder, este, darles la ayuda a las agencias y para poder darles capacitaciones sobre trauma.” Amy Smithneoli, a supervisor in EEC’s behavior and special education area, explained the application and scheduling details and said participants will be expected to complete online modules before in‑person sessions.
Program structure and timeline: Presenters said the initiative includes self‑paced LMS modules that teach foundational principles, a multi‑week trainer cohort that prepares participants to deliver local sessions, and follow‑up coaching. Applications are open now; trainers will be notified by late September, and an all‑day training is scheduled for Oct. 7. Organizers said smaller refresher sessions of 1–1.5 hours will be offered and that the program plans at least six follow‑up trainings, with the final deeper facilitation session held in person.
Access and languages: Presenters said materials and the Strong Start‑linked training are available in Spanish, Portuguese, simplified Chinese and English, and staff will provide interpreted materials and ongoing support. “Van a estar escuchando lo que las 5 principios,” a presenter said when describing the curriculum’s focus on safety, trust, empowerment, equity and healthy relationships.
Eligibility, expectations and credentials: Organizers said any qualified applicant may apply and that there are no categorical exclusions for employment affiliation; selection will prioritize candidates who commit to offering the training free to early childhood educators within their regions. The program will issue certificates of completion (PDC) but, organizers said, continuing education credits are not being offered at this time; they are exploring credentialing options for the future. Trainers are encouraged, when feasible, to offer the training multiple times per year (organizers suggested about three or more offerings annually).
Support and follow up: Presenters emphasized that OCA will maintain an active role after initial training by sharing materials, monitoring where trainings occur and offering assistance. Participants were told they will receive the session recording, links and resources by email; EEC staff will monitor applications and coordinate acceptance notices.
Who asked questions: Multiple participants raised operational questions about scheduling, conflicts of interest, and whether college‑affiliated staff may apply; session leaders said there are no restrictions tied to employer affiliation and encouraged applicants to describe their intended training plans on the application.
What organizers did not say: The presenters did not announce a fixed application deadline, a final cohort size, specific budget or dedicated ongoing funding, nor did they confirm formal continuing education credit at this time. Notification timing and acceptance were described as “by the end of September” rather than a specific date.
Next steps: Organizers said they will hold another informational session on Aug. 19 and will send a follow‑up email with the recording, resource links and application instructions to registered attendees. Those with questions were directed to contact Amy Smithneoli or Joy Cowen via the email addresses that will be included in the follow‑up message.
