SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The work of preschool comes at perhaps the most critical period for the social and emotional development of your child. Preschool aged children are developing rapidly into capable individuals ready to establish their independence and actively engage with the world. The attitudes, values and the important skills learned in their preschool years will be essential to them throughout their lives. These skills will serve them well as they navigate new opportunities and inevitable challenges in the years ahead.

This is also the time when children are learning about their first friendships and what it means to be a good friend. They are learning to

show their friends respect and care by being polite, kind and courteous
be a good sport by taking turns and playing fair
share toys, ideas and time
listen well, be honest and truthful
be a peaceful problem solver by learning how to calm down, talk about problems and settle on solutions that take care of everyone
join in and make new friends
expect and ask for respectful behavior from friends
feel safe and strong with new friends
respect differences, be inclusive and appreciate others
be generous and considerate
recognize and be thankful when others are being a good friend to them in these ways

At MECEC we dedicate ourselves to this most critical work of the preschool years when our children are actively learning to

establish independence and self help skills
examine, evaluate and understand the effects of one's own behavior
regulate self control
take risks, try new things and be flexible
persevere when the going gets tough
ask for help when needed
speak one's mind honestly and truthfully
talk about feelings and develop coping skills
avoid frustration and be safe by planning ahead
respect others work and possessions
prepare for different social situations
prepare for new experiences