The state of Delaware is issuing $1 million in grants to First State schools to help disadvantaged students and English language learners.
The grant money is going to nine Delaware school districts and charter schools. Elbert-Palmer Elementary in the Christina School District is receiving more than 106 thousand dollars to help students chronically exposed to stress and trauma.
School psychiatrist Maureen Darlington says studies show trauma can have an adverse effect on the brain’s ability to perform executive functions. She adds traumatic events have a broad definition.
“Anything from homelessness, a parent in jail, parents with any types of substance abuse, any history of physical or emotional abuse—it’s a big scope that’s considered trauma, and the more factors of trauma a child has, their outcomes are not as positive,” said Darlington.
Elbert Palmer Elementary plans to use some of the new funds to bring in outside counselors to help with the school’s trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy program known as “Bounce Back.”
The school also plans to put money towards student attendance issues, and may bring in parent and community aids to assist with struggling students.
Darlington wrote the grant request with Elbert-Palmer teachers Karen Elmagrisi and Kelly Green.
Five other districts and charters will also use the grant funds to develop trauma-informed programs for their students.