Trauma-Informed Care

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explains trauma-informed care (TIC) using the “Four R’s”. 

  • Realizes how common trauma is and how people can recover.
  • Recognizes signs of trauma in children, families, staff, and others.
  • Responds by using what we know about trauma in policies and daily practices.
  • Resists re-traumatization so people feel safe and supported.

Why is TIC Important?

Strong positive relationships between children and adults help children grow healthy brains. These relationships support children’s learning and social and emotional growth. 

TIC Financial Awards

DCYF offers financial awards up to $1,200 for eligible child care providers who complete trauma-informed care training. Awards are available as long as funding lasts.

Starting July 1, 2025, child care providers can apply for a TIC financial award if they meet these requirements:

  • You are either:
    • A licensed family home (LFH) owner listed as active in MERIT; or
    • A license-exempt family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) provider active in MERIT.
  • You work at a program that serves families using Working Connections Child Care and has claimed at least one subsidy payment in the past 12 months.
  • You have an active Statewide Vendor (SWV) number listed in MERIT.
  • You completed an approved TIC training in the past 12 months and the training has been recorded in MERIT by an approved trainer.
  • You have not already received the lifetime maximum award of $1,200.
     
  • Training Recommended by Tribes
    • Award amount: Varies
    • Trainings recommended by Tribes may be approved on a case-by-case basis
  • Emerging Training Category
    • Award amount: $800
    • Eligible providers may receive awards for completing one approved course, including:
      • Filming Interactions to Nurture Development (FIND) - English and Spanish
      • Helping Children Develop Social Emotional Skills (12 hours) - Somali and Spanish
      • Mindful Me
      • Mobility Mentoring Foundation Course Online (ECEAP providers only)
      • PREPARE for Care (two six-hour modules) - English, Somali, and Spanish
      • WAPM Implementing Inclusive + Equitable Pyramid Model Practices (Pyramid Model Modules 1 and 2) - English and Spanish
  • Advanced Training Category
    • Award amount: $1,200
    • Eligible providers may receive awards for completing one approved course, including:
      • Prenatal and Infant Mental Health (20 hours) - Somali and Spanish
      • PREPARE for Care (four six-hour modules) - English, Somali, and Spanish
      • Pyramid Model Prevent Teach Reinforce for Young Children (Washington Pyramid Model Modules 1 and 2 are prerequisite)
      • Trauma Informed Care Modules - Advanced (four sessions) - English and Spanish
      • Trauma-Informed Care in Early Childhood Education (ECE), EDUC 260, North Seattle College
  • Education
    • TIC financial awards for education will be available in Spring 2026
       

You may reach out to the following organizations for approved training:

Please contact MERIT System Navigation Team at MERIT@dcyf.wa.gov:

  • Filming Interactions to Nurture Development (FIND) (English and Spanish)
  • Mobility Mentoring Foundations Course Online (for ECEAP providers)
  • Pyramid Model Prevent Teach Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC)

Starting Nov. 6, 2025, eligible providers can apply for a TIC financial award in MERIT.

Step 1: Verify information in your MERIT Professional Record.

  1. Login to MERIT.
  2. Click the "Professional Record" tab.
  3. Make sure your state-approved training shows up in the Annual Continuing Education Training section of your professional record.
  4. Make sure your employment is current for an eligible job role and marked as confirmed or verified in the employment section of your MERIT professional record.

Step 2: Complete a TIC financial award Application.

  1. In MERIT, select “My Applications” tab.
  2. Select "Trauma-Informed Care Award Application."
  3. Follow the steps to complete and submit the application.

Step 3: Verify an active Statewide Vendor (SWV) number is listed in your MERIT record.

  1. If you need to apply or update a Statewide Vendor Number, visit the Apply For a Statewide Vendor Number webpage for instructions. 

It can take up to three months after you submit your application to receive your award.

Yes. If your payments add up to $600 or more, you’ll get an1099 tax form. Talk with a tax professional if you need help. 

Yes. An interpreter may be available for trainings that qualify. Ask your trainer or training organization for details.

DCYF worked with child care providers, and the Fair Start for Kids Act Trauma-Informed Care Advisory Group. Together they identified the training that qualifies for f financial awards. 

Contact MERIT@dcyf.wa.gov if you have questions.