Social and emotional development focuses on “the relationships we share with others”; “our ability to recognize and understand our own feelings and actions” as well as those of others; and our “ability to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas in socially appropriate ways.” Families are key in nurturing the social and emotional development of their young children through positive relationships that make children feel safe and secure. These earliest relationships affect “how children experience the world, express themselves, manage their emotions, and establish positive relationships with others.”
This week’s resource, from the U.S. Department of Education’s Early Learning: Talk, Read Sing! initiative, provides families with tips for creating “a predictable, nurturing environment,” supporting the development of social skills, and “recognizing and talking about emotions” for three age groups: infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. It also includes suggestions for “encouraging positive behaviors and using positive discipline practices” in the home with toddlers and preschoolers. The ideas are simple and easy to implement and serve as a great follow-up to the conversations professionals have with families about the state’s Take a Minute campaign. It’s also available in English and Spanish.
The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge and role-specific competencies needed for early intervention service provision, incorporating current research and evidence in the field of early intervention. To access the ESPM, click here.
This resource is related to the following ESPM knowledge-level competencies:
- Core Knowledge (CK):
- CK2: The role of primary social and emotional relationships as the foundation for early learning.
- Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-i):
- IFSP-i3 (EIS): Knows generic and specific evidence-based early intervention strategies to support all areas of development.