Date / Time: October 31, 2025 | 9:45 – 10:45 am

Room: 162-163

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

Call to Action:

1. Engage Your Community Early: Start conversations with educators, families, and students about what makes them feel safe and supported. Use their insights to guide design decisions that foster belonging and well-being.
2. Re-think Third Spaces:Identify overlooked areas in your learning environments—hallways, entryways, and shared spaces—and explore how they can be transformed into places for self-regulation, connection, and small-group interaction.
3. Measure Impact and Adapt: Conduct post-occupancy evaluations by gathering feedback and observing how spaces are used. Use this data to refine and evolve your approach, ensuring your spaces truly meet the needs of those who use them.

Abstract: How can Trauma-Informed Design (TID) shape environments that foster safety, connection, and self-regulation for young learners and their families? This session will explore the journey of Rise Early Learning—from the initial design vision rooted in play, equity and empathy to the real-world impact observed after move-in. Before opening, Rise Early Learning was designed with TID principles, prioritizing listening to ensure spaces would be welcoming and supportive. The design team worked closely with educators to craft environments that reflect identity, culture, and a sense of belonging. This session will highlight the design strategies implemented, including the integration of third spaces—informal, flexible environments that support self-regulation, small-group interactions, and family connections. Now, with post-occupancy insights, we’ll examine how these spaces are being used in practice. Through a post occupancy evaluation, we will share the measured impact of this design and hear stories, showcasing how intentional environments can enhance self-regulation, strengthen relationships, and support a thriving early learning community. Join us as we bridge the gap between design intent and lived experience, providing a roadmap for how Trauma-Informed Design can create meaningful, lasting impacts in early childhood settings.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the Foundations of Trauma-Informed Design (TID): Explore the history and principles to TID, with a focus on its critical role in fostering student well-being.
2. Apply Trauma-Informed Design Strategies: Learn how TID principles influence both the design process and final solutions, addressing safety, security, and personal agency while fostering a sense of belonging.
3. Leverage Third Spaces for Connection and Self-Regulation: Identify how informal, shared environments within and around a childcare program can support self-regulation, co-regulation, and meaningful family engagement.
4. Assess Impact Through Post-Occupancy Evaluation: Understand how to measure the effectiveness of trauma-informed design strategies, gathering feedback to refine and improve learning environments over time.