Prenatal & Early Childhood Experiences

We define social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions(Fundamentals of SEL," 2026). Building strong social and emotional skills helps students do better in school, supports their mental health, and builds resilience for life. When students can manage their emotions, they tend to have better grades, stronger friendships, and improved problem-solving skills. Teachers play an important role by showing these skills in action, creating caring classrooms, and working with families to support SEL both at school and at home.

Long-Term Impact

Prenatal development plays a foundational role in brain growth and emotional functioning. Factors such as maternal nutrition, stress levels, healthcare access, and substance exposure influence neural development and stress response systems. After birth, early childhood experiences further shape emotional regulation and social competence. Consistent caregiving makes a difference. Responsive relationships and safe environments support secure attachment and healthy coping strategies. But early exposure to trauma or instability can increase risks for anxiety, impulsivity, and difficulties forming relationships in adolescence. Importantly, early intervention and nurturing experiences can significantly reduce long-term negative outcomes.

“Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” ~ Jim Henson

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