Organizational Trauma-Informed Readiness, Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress among Head Start Staff and Educators during COVID-19

The stressors experienced by Head Start staff and educators during the COVID-19 pandemic may increase their risk for burnout and secondary trauma. During the transition from in-person to online work, research has shown this population experienced increased stressors, accompanied by a decrease in wellbeing promoting activities, and an increase in mental health symptoms. The aim of this study was to explore the levels of burnout and secondary trauma symptoms among Head Start staff and educators during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the level at which their agencies are prepared to address exposure to trauma [JJK1] from clients. Participants completed a survey assessing their levels of adverse childhood experiences, compassion satisfaction, burnout, secondary traumatic stress (STS), and preparedness to address secondary trauma exposures. An ANOVA analysis showed that while indirect and direct roles both reported higher levels of burnout and STS compared to the overall population, indirect roles had slightly higher levels of STS and burnout compared to direct roles. The results of this study show the need for Head Start agencies to address and introduce trauma and resilience-informed care practices with early childhood education.