Exposure to traumatic events in childhood and adolescence can have lasting negative social, emotional, and educational effects. For schools, or any environment that serves children, to be truly trauma-informed, they must address three crucial areas: safety, connection, and emotional and behavioral regulation. This article, which is excerpted from the authors' book "Creating Trauma-Informed Schools: A Guide for School Social Workers and Educators," explores these three areas as the foundational pillars of a trauma-informed school environment.