The Importance of Emotional Development in Early Childhood

Emotional development in early childhood

The importance of emotional development in early childhood cannot be understated. We acknowledge that whilst knowledge based learning is absolutely required, it is the soft skills that are so needed in a fast moving, fast changing world. It is not just what you know, but how you interact with others, build relationships, establish culture.  At Step by Step Nursery, the following principles underpin our practice: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking and Care. These 21st century skills are widely acknowledged by researchers as essential to a child’s early learning journey as they promote the soft skills that are required in today’s workplace.  Furthermore, emotional intelligence is key to developing the young child’s ability to self-regulate; to manage emotions appropriately and develop social codes and conventions to function in the wider world. 

Building Positive Relationships and Connections

In Early Childhood Education and Care, everything we do depends on the relationships we establish and the connections we make with others. For example, when children struggle to settle into nursery or school, this relates strongly to attachment theory and the connection the child has with their primary caregiver, and as a direct result, how this impacts connections with other key adults in their life. When there is a healthy connection with the primary caregiver, usually, this connection is easily passed to other key adults with care, reassurance and by taking a partnership approach. At Step by Step, Care is one of our underpinning principles and the ethics of care guide the exchanges that children have with one another, and those they have with key adults. When children and adults are attuned with one another, they leave their own agenda aside to focus on the best interests of the child, recognising that the relationship is a two way exchange in which we can learn from one another. Furthermore, At Step by Step we believe in the importance of emotional development in early childhood by working in partnership with parents and establishing positive relationships with parents and carers. Whether this be in the form of information sharing via our Parent App or Parents Association or via the open door policy that we promote within our community. First and foremost, children and families must feel welcomed, respected and valued. You can read more about why your child should go to fs1 in a nursery here. 

Promoting Positive Self-Concept and Self-Esteem

Some of the prime areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage are Personal, Social and Emotional Development in early childhood. An important aspect of this is developing positive self-confidence and self-esteem. Children are image conscious from an increasingly young age with the increase in mobile devices and social media. Promoting a positive sense of self is vital in building confidence, understanding who we are and where we have come from, but also what is possible for our future self. At Step by Step, we use positive behaviour management strategies including praise and positive reinforcement. An example is when children display positive behaviours and attitudes, such as helping others, sharing and caring for one another and the environment, we try to catch children ‘being good’ and focus on their qualities rather than point out their shortcomings. Not only does this make feel good about themselves and their capabilities but it also motivates them and increases their aspirations. Why not book a tour at Step By Step so we can show you what makes us the UAE’s favourite nursery?