Social emotional development is an important aspect of early childhood. Children are just learning how to get along with others, to handle there be emotions, and form positive relationships. In this professional development session participants will review what we have learned about children’s social/emotional development and some new ideas to help reduce challenging behaviors by guiding children in this area of development.

Child Growth and Development
1.3 Encourages children's development of social and emotional skills
a. Understands and accepts children’s age-appropriate emotional responses (i.e., crying, tantrums)
1.4 Helps children achieve self-regulation and develop coping skills
a. Responds promptly to child’s immediate signals and needs b. Provides opportunities for children to make meaningful choices c. Understands the parent’s/caregiver’s role in supporting the child’s development of self-regulation
Environment and Curriculum
4.1 Develops and models genuine, supportive relationships
b. Seeks information from families regarding effective strategies to support individual children
c. Shows genuine interest in children’s experiences, ideas, and work
d. Uses a variety of strategies for building relationships such as engaging in meaningful and extended conversations, respecting each child’s uniqueness, using children’s names, being at children’s eye level, and smiling at children