Creating Trauma-sensitive classrooms

Four-year-old Alex is in his first year of preschool. He loves his teachers and is always excited to come to school. Unbeknownst to his teachers, Alex has been witnessing domestic violence and experiencing physical abuse since birth. Furthermore, Alex's mom works the night shift and his dad works the day shift at the same 24-hour diner. Because of his parents' schedules, there are times when Alex wakes in the morning and finds himself home alone.

How does trauma interfere with young children's imaginative play? How might you support the play of young children in your classroom who have experienced trauma?