When California passed AB 1172, it didn’t just set new standards for training and oversight in nonpublic schools—it also signaled a broader shift in how we approach student behavior, safety, and emotional well-being. At the heart of this shift is one key concept: trauma-informed practices.
If your school or agency serves students with disabilities, especially those with complex behavioral needs, trauma-informed strategies aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential. In fact, under AB 1172, they’re now part of your legal training requirements.
So what exactly are trauma-informed practices? And how can your school build a culture that reflects them?
What Are Trauma-Informed Practices?
Trauma-informed practices are approaches that recognize the impact of trauma on a student’s behavior, learning, and ability to self-regulate. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with this student?” trauma-informed teams ask, “What happened to this student—and how can we help them feel safe and supported?”
Trauma can result from:
-
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
-
Neglect or abandonment
-
Bullying or school-based violence
-
Family instability, poverty, or exposure to substance abuse
-
Systemic issues like racism or displacement
Students who’ve experienced trauma may exhibit aggression, withdrawal, defiance, or hypervigilance—behaviors that can easily be misunderstood or punished in traditional school settings.
Why Trauma-Informed Training Is Part of AB 1172
Under AB 1172, all staff in Nonpublic Schools (NPS) and Nonpublic Agencies (NPA) must be trained annually in evidence-based behavioral strategies—including trauma-informed care.
This is a direct response to past incidents where staff used restraint or seclusion without understanding the emotional triggers behind a student’s behavior. Trauma-informed training helps staff:
-
De-escalate challenging situations safely
-
Reduce the use of crisis-level interventions
-
Build trusting relationships with students
-
Recognize signs of distress early
-
Avoid retraumatizing students through punishment or control
The Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Practice
Here are six core principles of trauma-informed care that are emphasized in AB 1172 training courses:
1. Safety
Students need to feel physically and emotionally safe. That means consistent routines, respectful communication, and staff who can manage conflict calmly.
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
Be clear about expectations, follow through on what you say, and involve students in decision-making whenever possible.
3. Peer Support
Foster a community where students support each other and staff model positive relationships.
4. Collaboration and Empowerment
Treat students as active participants in their learning and behavior support. Use strengths-based approaches.
5. Cultural Responsiveness
Respect each student’s background, identity, and lived experiences. Avoid one-size-fits-all responses.
6. Resilience-Focused
Focus on what students can do, not just what they struggle with. Teach emotional regulation, coping skills, and social success.
What Trauma-Informed Strategies Look Like in Action
In real-life classroom and clinical settings, trauma-informed practices might include:
-
Giving students choices instead of demands (“Would you like to start with math or reading?”)
-
Using “first-then” visuals to prepare students for transitions
-
Building in movement breaks, quiet corners, or sensory tools
-
Practicing co-regulation—helping students calm down by modeling calm yourself
-
Responding to outbursts with curiosity rather than punishment
-
Offering predictable routines with visual schedules
-
Using non-contingent reinforcement to provide positive attention before problems arise
These strategies aren’t just for counselors or behavior specialists. Every staff member—from instructional aides to bus drivers—can learn to use trauma-informed practices to improve student outcomes.
How Trauma-Informed Practices Reduce Restraint and Seclusion
One of the most important goals of AB 1172 is to reduce the use of restraint and seclusion in educational settings. Trauma-informed care is a powerful way to accomplish this because it helps prevent crises before they escalate.
When staff understand trauma:
-
They don’t take behavior personally
-
They respond with empathy, not punishment
-
They can teach replacement skills instead of just stopping “problem” behaviors
-
They are less likely to use physical intervention
The result? Fewer dangerous incidents, less staff burnout, and a stronger culture of respect and safety.
Our AB 1172 Course Includes Trauma-Informed Care
We’ve built trauma-informed training into every section of our AB 1172 Compliance Course—because it’s not just a requirement, it’s a best practice.
✅ Learn how trauma affects the brain and behavior
✅ Practice real-life scenarios through interactive activities
✅ Explore calming strategies, sensory supports, and replacement behavior techniques
✅ Understand your legal responsibilities around restraint and seclusion
✅ Receive an instant certificate of completion to meet AB 1172 requirements
Conclusion: Beyond Compliance—Creating a Culture of Care
AB 1172 sets a new standard for safety and accountability—but it’s also an opportunity. When schools embrace trauma-informed practices, they don’t just meet the law—they build learning environments where every student can thrive.
Want to bring trauma-informed training to your entire staff? Our flexible, self-paced online course is the fastest and most affordable way to get compliant—and build a better school culture at the same time.