ESSB private event: Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood

This presentation explores social and emotional development in early childhood through a developmentally appropriate, relationship-based, and neurodevelopmental lens. Participants will deepen their understanding of young children’s emotional and social needs and explore the role of attachment, play, adult posture, supportive environments, routines, and developmentally appropriate expectations. Participants will also be introduced to the CEBM K4–K5 Teacher Toolkit for Emotional and Social Development, a collection of practical resources developed with educators and adapted to support diverse learners. Through children’s literature, games, indoor and outdoor activities, and tiered supports, the toolkit provides concrete ways to foster emotional awareness, belonging, communication, cooperation, friendship skills, inclusion, and healthy social relationships. Ultimately, the session aims to help educators adjust expectations to children’s developmental capacities, better understand the needs underlying behaviour, and intentionally create environments and relationships that support every child’s emotional well-being and social development.