Whole-System Change Model –
Head Start Programs
Transform your system, transform your care
“The Whole-System Change Model helps us meet children, families, and staff where they are – supporting their individual needs, building trustworthy relationships, and strengthening resiliency.”
Envisioning Trauma-Informed Early Head Start/Head Start Programs in 2023 & Beyond
Creating a Trauma-Informed Workforce
At the Traumatic Stress Institute (TSI) of Klingberg Family Centers, we support Head Start agencies with a whole-system approach to trauma-informed care. TSI believes that Early Head Start/Head Start programs can function as protective factors that buffer and mitigate the effects of childhood adversity and trauma for staff, families, and children, creating conditions where resiliency can flourish.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines a trauma-informed approach—using the 4R’s—as one that:
- Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and pathways to recovery
- Recognizes trauma signs and symptoms
- Responds by integrating awareness about trauma into all facets of the system
- Resists retraumatization of trauma-impacted individuals by decreasing unnecessary triggers
How We Can Help
The Traumatic Stress Institute offers leadership, training, and implementation services that reflect these 4R’s through an 18-24 month Whole-System Change Model (WSCM) to trauma-informed care. Elements include:
- Leadership Engagement and Planning
- Foundational Staff Training
- Training of Internal Trainers and Champions
- Implementation Coaching
- Trainer Certification and Professional Development
- Program Evaluation and Results Dashboards using the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) Scale

In Review: Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Early Head Start/Head Start Programs
TSI recently offered a webinar entitled Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Early Head Start/Head Start Programs. If you missed the presentation, a recording is now available here. View resources below and schedule a free consultation call with a whole-system change consultant to learn more about our limited offer for new Early Head Start/Head Start projects in 2023. Programs that enter into a contract with TSI by March 31, 2023 can begin their whole-system change journey in Spring, Summer, or Fall of 2023.

Building Trauma-Informed Capabilities
TSI’s Whole-System Change Model to trauma-informed care…
- Improves the quality of services provided to families in Head Start communities
- Provides a framework for creating a program-wide trauma informed environment
- Enhances professional development experience for staff through a train-the-trainer approach
- Improves quality of classroom management and instructional learning to meet CLASS® domains
- Promotes reflective supervision through a trauma-informed approach
See Our Model and Steps in the Infographic Below

COMPONENTS OF THE MODEL
Leadership Engagement
The Model begins with coaching of leadership to galvanize buy-in to the TIC change process. READ MORE…
Risking Connection Staff Training
Risking Connection (RC) is a trauma 101 staff training model that organizations adopt to foster a trauma-informed workforce. RC becomes embedded in the organization through a Train-the-Trainer model. READ MORE…
Follow-Up Coaching
TSI provides regular coaching to support organizations in executing their TIC Implementation Plan. READ MORE…
Trainer Certification and Professional Development
Risking Connection Associate Trainers are certified to teach the RC Training at their organization. Trainers join an international community of RC Trainers who benefit from annual professional development trainings. READ MORE…
Program Evaluation and Online Dashboard
Rigorous program evaluation is integral to the TSI model. Data is collected and results are displayed on the organization’s individually-tailored online data dashboard. READ MORE…