The Level 1: Foundations in Childhood Trauma-Informed Care and Attachment for Occupational Therapists

Build your expertise in pediatric trauma and attachment with this hybrid course designed for Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs). Child abuse and trauma, both in the U.S. and globally, are on the rise, creating an urgent need for highly skilled professionals trained to effectively treat children who have experienced trauma, violence, or neglect. The Level 1: Foundations in Childhood Trauma-Informed Care and Attachment for Occupational Therapists is a peer-developed, expert-led training that bridges the gap between education, research, and resources needed to provide trauma-informed care in pediatric occupational therapy.

This course is structured as a hybrid experience, with Part 1 being self-paced and Part 2 consisting of a 2-hour live webinar where participants will engage directly with instructors. The self-paced component provides foundational knowledge, while the live webinar offers interactive learning and opportunities for questions and discussions.

This workshop serves as the first tier of coursework required for the OT trauma and attachment certificate, which also includes a second tier focused on in-depth assessment and a third tier dedicated to intervention strategies. Throughout the training, participants will explore the therapist’s role in trauma and attachment-informed care, recent research, diverse theoretical approaches, and the occupational functions necessary for helping a child develop across multiple settings. Instructors will guide participants through evidence-based techniques for pediatric care, including sensory integration theory, developmental approaches, and strategies for collaborating with the care team.