Episode 2 Biblical Principles for Trauma Informed Practices

The statistics on abuse and violence in the United States are sobering.  For FFY 2021, 600,000 children were victims of child abuse and neglect. The victim rate is 8.1 victims per 1,000 children in the population. Children younger than 1 year old have the highest rate of victimization at 25.3 per 1,000 children of the same age in the national population. Children are the most vulnerable members of society. Jesus loved children, in fact, Jesus clearly rebuked his disciples and proclaimed, “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14). Jesus literally hugged them and blessed them (Matt. 19:15) although they were interrupting his teaching on the family. The treatment of children is revisited throughout Scripture, yet this one encounter sets the pattern most vividly for the value Jesus placed upon children. He called the children to himself and accepted and often healed those with neurological disorders. We are all created in God’s image.

During this episode of the Christian Education Cafe', we’re speaking with Dr. Barbara Sorrels. She  is a child development specialist, educator and consultant with a heart for “children from hard places.” She has over 45 years of experience in education. As the founder of Connected Kids, she provides educators, parents and advocates with compassionate, evidence-based strategies for guiding children through trauma and other challenges. Her approach is based on the belief that when children feel connected to themselves, their families and the world around them, they can overcome even the darkest of circumstances and reach their fullest potential.

Two practitioners will also joined the conversation:

Colleen Mullendore is the School Administrator for Destiny Christian School on the west coast . She has a son and daughter who serve with her. Colleen has worked with children for over 35 years. She is committed to partnering with families to help shape their child's destiny using the Bible as that foundation. With that in mind, looking for daily opportunities that place Jesus in the center of a child's learning is the most important part of that partnership embodied in Job 34:4, "Let us learn together what is good".

My colleague, Rebeca Rosa provides consulting and member support as the Association of Christian School’s International’s Early Education Coordinator. She has a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology, numerous certifications and almost forty years of experience in early childhood education and program administration. Rebeca has served on mission teams around the world; she’s a certified life coach, and her passion for kingdom education is evidenced by her desire to grow in and share her knowledge of God's Word by serving others.