Component 2

Developing children’s social and emotional skills

Social and emotional development involves developing the ability to recognise and manage emotions, show care and concern for others, make responsible decisions, establish positive relationships, and handle challenging situations effectively. Research has shown that the development of social and emotional skills is important for good mental health, and also for academic learning, development of values, and motivation to achieve and cooperate.

Children who develop good social and emotional skills find it easier to experience, manage and express a wide range of positive and negative emotions, develop close, satisfying relationships with other children and adults, resolve conflict, and feel positive about themselves and the world around them. They also have a significantly greater chance of succeeding across all domains, compared with children who experience emotional difficulties. The time from birth to school age is considered the most fundamental and progressive period of growth for children’s social and emotional skills.

Component 2 focuses on:

• Relationships between staff and children
• Children’s social and emotional skill development opportunities
• Staff development and support