Shootings and Violence
The following resources provide useful information and strategies for early childhood professionals and families in supporting young children and families in the wake of shootings and violent incidents.
Federal
Readiness and Emergency Management for School (REMS) Center of The Department of Education's Office of Safe and Supportive Schools performs two critical functions:
- build the preparedness capacity (including prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts) of schools, school districts, IHEs, and their community partners at the local, state, and Federal levels
- serve as the primary source of information for schools, school districts, and IHEs for emergencies
- The National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE) offers information and technical assistance to states, districts, schools, IHEs, and communities focused on improving school climate and conditions for learning.
Early Childhood Personnel
Supporting Families: Young Children and Gun Violence (2022) was produced by ZERO TO THREE after the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. It provides parenting resources to help parents and professionals meet the unique needs of infants and young children and address the effects of trauma in early childhood.
Parents and Families
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event — This The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) brief outlines age related reactions to a traumatic event useful for families and caregivers.
Helping Your Children Manage Stress in the Aftermath of a Shooting (2019) — This short article from The American Psychological Association (APA) provides tips on how to talk to children about shootings.
Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News — This National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB) guides adults in talking with children about tragic events like shootings and terrorist attacks.
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators (2023) — The National Association of School Psychologists offers tips for parents and teachers when talking to children about violence. This page offers printable tip sheets and companion infographics in both English and Spanish translation.