Social and Emotional Development

Children are dependent upon their interactions with peers and adults to construct a sense of self and to view themselves as learners. As toddlers, children begin to notice differences among people. They willingly explore these differences as they mature. This natural curiosity about other people helps children to develop a strong sense of identity and provides teachers and families with opportunities to associate schools and programs with a child’s home and community.

Ideas of citizenship are based upon meaningful daily events and a classroom environment that ensures that children are aware of and respect another person’s interests, preferences and cultural background. When children participate in activities that bring the community into the classroom, they feel good about themselves and find out how different groups of children live. Teachers and family members who help children negotiate the rules, responsibilities and challenging issues that characterize a vibrant learning environment can expose children to a community based upon kindness, equality and justice.

Children demonstrate a strong and positive self-concept, appropriate self-control and growth in their awareness of their responsibilities when interacting with others.

Learning Goals and Definitions	Expectations
1. Play Children use play as a vehicle to build relationships and to develop an appreciation for their own abilities and accomplishments.	Participate in a variety of individual and group play experiences. Explore and understand new experiences and differences among people.
2. Self-Concept Children demonstrate and express an awareness of self.	Progress toward identifying self according to gender, community membership, ethnicity, ability and family membership. Separate from familiar people, places or things. Demonstrate confidence in their range of abilities and express pride in accomplishments.
3. Self-Control Children increase their capacity for self-control.	Demonstrate an increased understanding and acceptance of rules and routines within the learning environment. Begin to accept the consequences of their behavior. Use materials purposefully, respectfully and safely. Effectively manage transitions between activities. Demonstrate progress in the capacity to express feelings, needs and opinions.
4. Interactions with Others Children develop successful relationships with other members of their learning community.	Play, work and interact easily with one or more children and adults. Develop friendships with peers. Demonstrate empathy and caring for others. Develop ability to take turns in activities. Begin to participate in resolving conflicts and disagreements with others.
5. Sense of Community Children increasingly demonstrate a sense of belonging to the program, family and community.	Begin to respect the rights of others. Demonstrate a growing understanding and appreciation of the relationships, people and places that make up their communities. Participate in the care of the learning environment. Demonstrate progress toward an understanding and valuing of similarities and differences among people. Perceive the needs of others and demonstrate growing empathy.