Grade Specific Trauma Resources

The WVDE is committed to assisting West Virginia educators, particularly now, as they do their utmost to support our students who are facing huge challenges in their personal lives. The social-emotional, behavioral, and health needs of our students have skyrocketed, requiring educators to go far above and beyond their normal roles.

Each grade section listed below addresses the areas where students are most vulnerable, including signs and symptoms, quick wins, and long-term solutions for prevention and intervention.

Grades PreK -2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12

Handle With Care

“Handle with Care,” the West Virginia Defending Childhood Initiative, provides the school or child care agency with a “heads up” when a child has been identified at the scene of a traumatic event so that the principal and/or his designee is aware that the child has been exposed to trauma. No details about the event are provided and only those who work directly with the child are informed. This maintains the child’s privacy while alerting the principal and the student’s teachers that the child may need extra support.

“Handle with Care,” helps educators become aware of, and sensitive to, the trauma students face. It also provides them with training and suggested interventions.

For More on Handle With Care:

Related WVDE Policies

Policy 2520.5

West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Wellness Education
View Website

Policy 2520.19

West Virginia College- and Career-Readiness Dispositions and Standards for Student Success for Grades K-12
View Website

WVDE Disclaimer

Please Note: Links to resources outside the West Virginia Department of Education’s website do not constitute an endorsement by the WVDE. Users should vet linked resources to meet audience needs.