Exploring Social-Emotional Development

Researcher and parents are increasingly equating social-emotional development with health and happiness throughout life, so how do we support this critical development in children? This three-hour workshop will review introductory concepts of social-emotional development, what children need to thrive socially and emotionally, and what we can do as caregivers and educators to best support them.

“Know” Knowledge & Understanding

• Understand what social-emotional development is and why it is foundational to mental health, relationships, and lifelong success.
• Recognize key social-emotional skills and age-typical milestones from infancy through preschool years.
• Identify how cultural, family, and relational contexts shape social-emotional growth and how adult presence influences it.

“Do” Apply Skills & Practice

• Apply co-regulation strategies to support children’s emotional self-regulation, including connecting before correcting, using sensory tools, and modelling calm.
• Explore and discuss children’s emotional zones and how to build social-emotional skills in a safe and responsive environment.

“Be” Professional Growth & Transformation

• Cultivate self-awareness and self-care habits to show up as reliable co-regulators who prioritize relationships above all.​
• Embrace a mindset of patience and encouragement, holding appropriate expectations while celebrating children’s growth in emotional expression and connection.
• Commit to fostering environments where children learn to understand, manage, and connect through their emotions.