Who We AreTIEC is a diverse, groundbreaking collaboration of lay membership
and professionals from the fields of education, counseling, psychology, human development, and social work. We plan and conduct professional development training for entities that serve children and their families. TIEC is a Pennsylvania Department of Education Act 48 approved provider. |
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Recommendations for Supporting Students During Increased ICE Activity
Trauma-Informed Strategies to Support Students and Families Experiencing Stress or Uncertainty Related to Immigration Enforcement Activity.
Purpose: To maintain safe, stable, supportive learning environments
1. Maintain a Safe and Predictable Classroom Environment
2. Use Trauma‑Informed Practices
3. Protect Student Privacy
4. Communicate Effectively With Families
5. Understand Your School’s Response Plan
6. Strengthen Community Connections
7. Support Students Academically
Trauma-Informed Strategies to Support Students and Families Experiencing Stress or Uncertainty Related to Immigration Enforcement Activity.
Purpose: To maintain safe, stable, supportive learning environments
1. Maintain a Safe and Predictable Classroom Environment
- Keep routines consistent to reduce student anxiety.
- Communicate calmly and factually; avoid speculation or assurances you cannot guarantee.
- Provide quiet, supervised spaces for students who need time to regulate emotions.
2. Use Trauma‑Informed Practices
- Watch for signs of stress, including withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or sudden absences.
- Respond with patience and empathy when fear influences behavior.
- Refer students promptly to counselors, social workers, or other support staff.
3. Protect Student Privacy
- Do not share student information with outside agencies unless legally required.
- Follow district protocols for handling records, conversations, and requests for information.
- Direct any inquiries from law enforcement to designated administrators.
4. Communicate Effectively With Families
- Provide school updates in multiple languages and through trusted communication channels.
- Share information about family rights and local support organizations when appropriate.
- Encourage families to create emergency plans for childcare, communication, and document storage.
5. Understand Your School’s Response Plan
- Review district policies regarding campus access, law enforcement interactions, and student safety.
- Know who to contact if immigration enforcement activity is reported near campus.
- Follow established procedures to maintain calm and avoid escalating fear.
6. Strengthen Community Connections
- Collaborate with community organizations that offer legal, mental‑health, and social‑service support.
- Utilize cultural liaisons or community advocates to help families navigate concerns.
7. Support Students Academically
- Offer flexibility with assignments, attendance, and deadlines when students face family instability.
- Provide make‑up work options that do not penalize students for circumstances beyond their control.
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Trauma-Informed Education CoalitionSince 2012, the Trauma Informed Education Coalition (TIEC) has been informing the education community and grass roots advocates across Pennsylvania about the issue of emotional and psychological trauma as an impediment to both academic and social school performance. It holds a unique role in providing information that has influenced state and federal policy initiatives including Pennsylvania Act 144 mandating trauma-informed education Statewide and US ESSA, which includes provisions for trauma-informed practices in the educational setting.
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Background |
Experience |
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Today, research supports the reality that the emotional and psychological trauma, currently pervasive among our children, is impeding their school performance both academically and socially. This same research informs us concerning the plasticity and recuperative powers of the brain given the right environment, relationships, and supportive experiences.
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Over the past decade, the Trauma Informed Education Coalition (TIEC) and the Pennsylvania State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) worked in concert, advocating for a Trauma Informed Education System in Pennsylvania. TIEC provides professional development around numerous topic related to trauma-informed care.
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