Here & Now

Norway Turns To Wisconsin For Trauma-Informed Schooling

Frederica Freyberg:

An international delegation toured Wisconsin this week to see how the state is embracing what’s known as trauma-informed care. First Lady Tonette Walker traveled with a group from Oslo, Norway to visit locations in Waupaca, Keshena and Milwaukee to see how such care is being implemented in social service, school and treatment settings. The Norwegians also made stops in Madison, including at an innovative new preschool which helps young students from diverse backgrounds, including those who are homeless, flourish and learn.

Frederica Freyberg:

The Playing Field school in Madison opened its doors in 2016. This week, the school opened its doors to visiting policymakers and educators from Norway. They came to see how a nurturing staff guides children ranging in age from infant to pre-K in the lessons of trust, caring and emotional connections.

Teacher:

You want to fix my hair?

Frederica Freyberg:

The school says its model is intentionally built to promote attachment between child and caregiver to build resilience. Many of the children there have trauma in their lives, whether homelessness or being removed from parents. They play and learn alongside children from all economic backgrounds. The methods are good for everyone. The vice-mayor of Oslo described why Wisconsin is becoming a model for trauma-informed care.

Oslo Vice Mayor:

I think more and more people are actually looking to Wisconsin and seeing that, oh, wow, something’s happening there and it works.

Frederica Freyberg:

We asked the Playing Field’s director whether she’s surprised her preschool is being held out for international attention.

Preschool Director:

I think it’s kind of unexpected, that we would — I mean, we knew when we started we wanted to build a model program and I know that what we’re doing is ahead of the curve. But it’s kind of surprising to get that kind of acknowledgment and that recognition.

Preschool Girl:

It's a rainbow! Red, orange.

Frederica Freyberg:

The Wisconsin tour for the visiting Norwegians was organized to highlight trauma-informed care, an issue that Tonette Walker has taken on as an initiative called “Fostering Futures.”