Trauma-Informed Preschool Support (TIPS) ECHO Program
Trauma-Informed Preschool Support (TIPS) ECHO Program was created by Adventist HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for Children's Social & Emotional Wellness out of need in response to the trauma seen in young children during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lourie Center partnered Project ECHO and the ECHO Institute, which is a part of the Health Sciences Center at the University of New Mexico, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Project ECHO provides workforce support through the ECHO Model, which is an innovation in professional learning, facilitating the rapid exchange of expert knowledge and field experience between subject matter experts, expert practitioners, centers of excellence and education professionals working throughout world.
The Lourie Center’s Therapeutic Preschool Model
The Lourie Center’s therapeutic preschool’s trauma-informed best-practices and longstanding training program focused on the integration of early childhood education and mental health. With nearly four decades' long history of training early childhood educators and mental health professionals through summer and year-long training programs in partnerships with universities/colleges, The Lourie Center has developed an evidence-based program backed by a wealth of experience in this area. Peer review studies from a four-year study of the therapeutic preschool program found: 80% success rate in transitioning children, from primarily African American and Hispanic families, to mainstream kindergarten, with 75% of caregivers report their children succeeding academically and socially 3 years after transitioning out of care.
Integration of Best Practice Models: The Lourie Center’s Therapeutic Preschool and Project ECHO
The Lourie Center's Therapeutic Preschool is one of only a few specialized preschool programs in the country that integrates early childhood mental health and education and is active in research and training. The ECHO model demonstrates a growing body of research that consistently shows the efficacy and sustainability of the ECHO tele-mentoring model across disciplines, including health care and education. The combination and implementation of both models have allowed for enhanced professional development of early childhood educators through an innovative and interactive virtual learning model supported by the specialized, multi-disciplinary team of educators, clinicians, and psychiatrists and their knowledge of trauma-informed best practices. TIPS ECHO benefits from the 3 demonstrated effectiveness of ECHO that moves knowledge, not people; this increases the reach of professionals to deliver knowledge, skills, and support.
Testimonials from TIPS ECHO St. Joseph Participants
Early Educator, three-year-olds
"Being asked to join TIPS ECHO was the best thing to have happened to my teaching career. I have gained so much knowledge by accepting ideas, adapting to new information, receiving book recommendations, joining conversations, and gaining overall insight from other educators on how to handle challenging behaviors and emotions in the classroom. TIPS ECHO has taught me to consider all aspects of a child’s life based on how they interact with me, their friends, and how they adapt to the learning environment. By taking advice from other educators who are part of TIPS ECHO, I have been able to apply new approaches in the classroom and see positive results. I will continue using these approaches and hope to learn even more throughout my journey in the TIPS ECHO St. Joseph program."
Early Educator, four-year-olds
"Being part of TIPS ECHO has been incredibly valuable. I’ve gained deeper insights into childhood trauma and effective classroom approaches while also learning from fellow early childhood professionals. Hearing their perspectives and strategies has truly enhanced my understanding and skills!"
Kindergarten Teacher
"The presentation of research, coupled with the dynamic analysis of real case studies with scholars and teachers in the field, has offered me the opportunity to develop an understanding of behavior and build effective strategies to support children in my care. The members of the program have been unfailingly respectful, compassionate, and empowering as they motivate teachers to use research data to inform and strengthen our classroom guidance of young children and their families. I have reflected on and used lessons from the program throughout the current school year and have celebrated my students developing positive social-emotional skills, families seeking additional professional support, and a general sense of well-being and community in the classroom."
Early Educator, four- and five-year-olds
"Being part of the TIPS ECHO pilot program has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. The supportive and knowledgeable community of TIPS ECHO Hub team members and fellow early childhood educators provides valuable insights, real-life classroom strategies, and positive guidance. I truly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate, share knowledge, and uplift one another in a space dedicated to growth and support."
Director
“The TIPS ECHO program has had such a positive impact on the teachers and administrators that I work with. The All Teach All Learn model fosters collaboration and shared learning. Children’s behaviors continue to become more complex, and it is difficult for educators to address these challenges without the proper training or support. TIPS ECHO fills a crucial gap by giving teachers the tools and knowledge they need to be more effective in the classroom.”
Early Educator, three-year-olds
“TIPS ECHO has been a great learning experience and privilege to take part in. It is helpful and valuable to be able to get feedback and advice from other educators, therapists and other professionals that will help us in our own classroom environment by providing strategies and resources to help our students from various backgrounds and diverse challenges. The convenience of being able to take part of this "all teach, all learn" community remotely through the iEcho platform has been very convenient, as it can fit easily into a busy schedule! I believe that TIPS ECHO is a valuable resource and could help many teachers in their classrooms!”
Early Educator, four-year-olds
“I have really enjoyed the TIPS ECHO sessions. The programs provided have offered helpful information that allows me to provide the best care possible to the children in my care. I have loved the collaboration between the TIPS ECHO team and fellow colleagues. Being able to listen to and discuss our struggles and gain helpful suggestions has become such a valuable component to this program. The variety of issues discussed is helpful for not only my current classroom, but also for problems that may arise in future classes. Finally, the book and website suggestions are extremely valuable resources to add to my teacher toolbox.”
Early Educator, four-year-olds
“Being involved in the TIPS ECHO program has been insightful and honorable. It is refreshing to be a part of a community of like-minded and knowledgeable peers to communicate and learn from. The format of the sessions is helpful to really think out the root of a problem and how we can grow from where we are. I believe future programs can gain knowledge and tools for their environments, using the TIPS ECHO St. Joseph Program.”
For more information about the Trauma-Informed Preschool Support ECHO Program, email Alan Ezagui, at Adventist HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness.
