Social and Emotional Learning in Early Childhood

Duration: 5 Days (30 Hours)

Target Group: Early Childhood Education Teachers, Child Development Teachers, Vocational Education Trainers
Course Type: Erasmus+ Structured Course
Language: English
Methodology: Workshops, hands-on activities, group work, case studies, observations, and sharing of best practices

20-24 July

Course Objectives

This course aims to enable participants to:

* Understand the importance of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in early childhood education.
* Develop strategies to foster self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills in young children.
* Integrate SEL practices into daily educational activities.
* Create positive and inclusive learning environments.
* Explore European best practices in early childhood education.
* Promote children’s well-being and emotional resilience through effective educational approaches.

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Day 1

Introduction to Social and Emotional Learning in Early Childhood

Morning Session

* Welcome and participant introductions
* Overview of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
* Importance of SEL in early childhood development
* European perspectives and current trends in SEL

Afternoon Session

* Emotional development in young children
* Key stages of social and emotional development
* Case studies and group discussions

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

* Understand the fundamental concepts of SEL.
* Recognize developmental needs related to social and emotional growth in early childhood.

Day 2

Emotional Awareness and Self-Regulation

Morning Session

* Understanding and identifying emotions
* Developing self-awareness in children
* Self-regulation strategies and techniques

Afternoon Session

* Storytelling and emotion-based learning activities
* Drama and play-based approaches for emotional development
* Practical workshop and activity design

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

* Design activities that enhance children’s emotional awareness.
* Apply effective strategies to support self-regulation skills.

Day 3

Developing Empathy and Social Skills

Morning Session

* Understanding empathy and its role in child development
* Communication, cooperation, and relationship-building skills
* Conflict resolution strategies for young children

Afternoon Session

* Cooperative games and collaborative learning activities
* Promoting positive peer interactions
* Analysis of European best practice examples

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

* Support empathy development in young children.
* Create learning activities that strengthen social competencies.

Day 4

Creating Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environments

Morning Session

* Principles of inclusive early childhood education
* Supporting children with diverse needs
* Building a positive classroom climate

Afternoon Session

* Positive behavior guidance strategies
* Family involvement in social and emotional development
* Educational site visit to an early childhood education center

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

* Develop inclusive and supportive classroom environments.
* Strengthen cooperation with families to support children’s development.

Day 5

Integrating SEL into Early Childhood Education Programs

Morning Session

* Planning SEL-based learning activities
* Project-based and play-based learning approaches
* Assessing social and emotional development

Afternoon Session

* Development of individual action plans
* Participant presentations
* Course evaluation and feedback session
* Certificate Ceremony