Abusive Head Trauma Information for Child Care Providers
This page provides resources regarding abusive head trauma and support best practice in the development of abusive head trauma policies.
Facts about abusive head trauma (from the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome):
- Crying is the #1 trigger for shaken baby syndrome
- Most cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome are in babies less than 6 months old
- Leading cause of child abuse deaths in U.S.
- 1 in 4 children dies
Caring for Our Children Standard on Abusive Head Trauma:
Standard 3.4.4.3: Preventing and Identifying Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma
According to Caring for Our Children Standard 3.4.4.3, Preventing and Identifying Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma, the goal of this standard is that:
- All child care facilities should have a policy and procedure to identify and prevent shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma.
- All caregivers/teachers who are in direct contact with children, including substitute caregivers/teachers and volunteers, should receive training on preventing shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma; recognizing potential signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma; creating strategies for coping with a crying, fussing, or distraught child; and understanding the development and vulnerabilities of the brain in infancy and early childhood.
Examples of a child care abusive head trauma policies (English and Spanish) – shared with permission from North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center.
- Shaken Baby Abusive Head Trauma Policy (English)
- Shaken Baby Abusive Head Trauma Policy (Spanish)
Child Care Health Consultant Series: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma
This webinar which is housed on the Early Childhood Knowledge and Learning Center is part of a series of webinars for child care health consultants on the topic of preventing shaken baby syndrome/abusive head trauma.
Keeping Them Safe – Abusive Head Trauma Webinar
This webinar which is housed on the Early Childhood Knowledge and Learning Center (ECLKC), focuses on prevention strategies to reduce the risks of abusive head trauma in early education settings.
Creating a Healthier Life, A Step-by-step Guide to Wellness
Self-care is very important to caregivers of young children. When a caregiver is overwhelmed or stressed, they are more likely to have increased frustration with a child in their care. This guide will assist caregivers in making intentional steps toward mental and physical wellness, including seeking support from others and establishing routines and good habits.
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome Training Modules
- Basic Shaken Baby Syndrome Training
- Child care Providers Intro to SBS/AHT
- Child care Providers Intro to SBS/AHT – Spanish
- Period of PURPLE Crying Training for Implementation
Promoting Staff and Family Well-Being
Early learning programs can play a key role in helping children, families, and staff commit to finding ways to reduce stress in their lives. Programs can also create wellness strategies that promote both physical and mental well-being. In these resources provided on the ECLKC, you will learn ways to promote a culture of wellness for young children and the adults who care for them.
Parent-Child Relationships Resources
Multiple resources are available on ECLKC on supporting family/child relationships.