Social & Emotional Learning in Early Childhood: Why It Matters and How It Develops

Social & Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a foundational learning domain in early childhood education. Long before children learn academic skills, they are learning how to form relationships, understand emotions, regulate behavior, and feel safe and confident in the world around them.

Early childhood social-emotional development is not separate from learning—it drives learning. Research consistently shows that children who develop strong social and emotional skills are better prepared for school, experience healthier relationships, and demonstrate stronger long-term outcomes in learning and wellbeing.

What Is Social & Emotional Learning?

Social & Emotional Learning refers to the process through which children develop:

• A sense of self and identity
• The ability to recognize and express emotions
• Skills for forming secure relationships
• Self-regulation and impulse control
• Empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving

In early childhood, SEL is built primarily through relationships, responsive caregiving, play, and everyday interactions. According to developmental research, social-emotional development emerges from the interaction between biology and environment—meaning children need nurturing, consistent relationships to thrive.

Why Social & Emotional Learning Matters in Early Childhood

The early years are a period of rapid brain development, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation, stress response, and social understanding. Experiences during infancy and early childhood shape how children:

• Handle frustration and stress
• Develop trust and attachment
• Engage with peers and adults
• Approach learning and challenges

Strong early SEL skills are associated with improved academic readiness, healthier behavior, stronger peer relationships, and better mental health outcomes across the lifespan.

This is why SEL is closely tied to:

• Kindergarten readiness
• Developmental milestones
• Long-term emotional wellbeing

How Social & Emotional Skills Develop Over Time

Social-emotional development begins at birth and unfolds in predictable—but highly individual—ways.

Infancy (Birth–12 Months)

During infancy, social-emotional development centers on attachment, trust, and emotional communication. Babies learn whether the world is safe through consistent, responsive caregiving.

Key skills emerging during this stage include:

• Forming secure attachments
• Recognizing caregivers
• Expressing emotions through facial expressions and vocalizations
• Beginning self-soothing with adult support

These early relationships lay the groundwork for emotional regulation and confidence later in life.

Toddlerhood (12–36 Months)

Toddlers are developing autonomy, self-awareness, and early empathy. This stage is often marked by big emotions, growing independence, and emerging peer interactions.

• Recognizing and naming feelings
• Parallel play and early friendships
• Practicing turn-taking and sharing
• Learning boundaries with adult guidance

Play becomes a powerful tool for social learning, especially pretend play, which supports emotional expression, problem-solving, and cooperation.

Preschool (3–5 Years)

Preschoolers are developing more advanced SEL skills, including emotional regulation, cooperation, and social problem-solving.

• Understanding others’ perspectives
• Managing emotions with increasing independence
• Participating in cooperative play
• Following group expectations and routines

These skills directly support classroom success and readiness for formal schooling.

The Role of Adults in Supporting SEL

Adults play a critical role in shaping children’s social-emotional development. Children learn SEL skills through:

• Warm, responsive relationships
• Consistent routines and expectations
• Emotionally safe environments
• Guided play and real-life problem solving

Simple everyday practices—such as naming emotions, modeling empathy, supporting problem-solving, and offering comfort—are powerful tools for building emotional resilience.

Connecting SEL to Everyday Family Life

Social and emotional learning happens naturally during daily routines like:

• Family meals and conversations
• Play and shared activities
• Storytime and imaginative play
• Family traditions and rituals

You may find it helpful to explore these related posts:

• The Power of Connection: Why Consistent Relationships Matter
• Joy Builds the Brain: How Positive Emotion Supports Learning
• Gratitude Grows: Teaching Thankfulness in Early Childhood
• Family Game Night: Building Connection Through Play

Social & Emotional Learning and Kindergarten Readiness

SEL skills are a critical—but often overlooked—component of school readiness. Children who can manage emotions, follow routines, and build relationships are better equipped to engage in learning.

To explore readiness supports, visit:

• Early Learning Resources
• Kindergarten Readiness Guide

Looking Ahead

In upcoming posts, we’ll explore:

• Infant social-emotional development
• Toddler SEL and emotional regulation
• Preschool SEL skills and classroom readiness
• Practical activities to support SEL at each age

Understanding social and emotional development helps adults support not just children’s learning—but their overall wellbeing, confidence, and sense of belonging.

This content is independently created and informed by evidence-based research. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any external institution or organization.

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About Early Learning Made Easy:
Created by Ms. Vanessa, CDA-certified Early Childhood Educator. This blog provides simple, joyful, evidence-informed learning activities for families and caregivers.

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