Evidence-based SEL strategies for every stage

Discover effective Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies designed for different developmental stages. Our guide helps educators implement proven programs to support student growth from infancy through middle childhood.

Strategies by developmental stage

We offer a range of specialized, evidence-based SEL strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of students at various developmental stages. Our approach focuses on practical and effective solutions for every classroom.

Infants and toddlers

For the youngest learners, the Pyramid Model provides a multi-tiered, evidence-based framework for promoting social-emotional competence. At the universal tier, the model emphasizes responsive caregiving and nurturing relationships, with practitioners using family coaching to promote social-emotional development and healthy attachment . Infants rely on the adults in their lives to read their cues and help them regulate as they adapt to their world, and responsive, positive interactions help build strong attachment relationships . Research demonstrates that children in Pyramid Model classrooms show statistically significant improvements in social skills and reductions in problem behavior

Early childhood

For preschool and pre-kindergarten settings, the Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) curriculum and Second Step Early Learning represent well-validated approaches. Results from several randomized controlled trials support the effectiveness of PATHS for diverse preschool and elementary students at decreasing problem behaviors and emotional distress while improving positive social behaviors . A study of Head Start programs integrating PATHS with academic enhancements found significant long-term benefits in emotional well-being and peer relationships lasting into high school . Second Step Early Learning helps young children develop foundational skills including listening, focusing attention, managing emotions, and showing empathy

Middle childhood

For elementary-aged students, multiple evidence-based approaches address the growing complexity of social-emotional demands. Morning Meetings, a cornerstone of the Responsive Classroom approach, include four components—greeting, sharing, group activity, and morning message—that build self-awareness and community . Consistent practice with feelings check-ins produces gradual progress in self-regulation over time . Yale's RULER Approach uses four core tools—the Charter, Mood Meter, Meta-Moment, and Blueprint—to develop emotional intelligence skills across the entire school community . Cooperative learning structures, where students work toward shared goals with positive interdependence, provide authentic opportunities to apply social-emotional skills collaboratively . Second Step Elementary offers lesson-based SEL programming for grades K through 5 with demonstrated evidence of effectiveness .

The Pyramid Model for infants and toddlers

The Pyramid Model is an evidence-based framework for promoting young children's social and emotional development. It provides strategies for nurturing competence and addressing challenging behaviors in early childhood settings, creating a strong foundation for future learning.

PATHS and Second Step for early childhood

PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies) helps children develop self-control, emotional understanding, and problem-solving skills. Second Step builds on this by teaching empathy, emotion management, and friendship skills, essential for a positive classroom environment.