Social & Emotional Learning
PBS Kids for Parents is the companion site to PBS Kids. Developed through a partnership with Public Broadcasting Service, PBS Kids for Parents is a easy to access website for adults caring for children ages 2-8. The website is divided by age groups with the following topics highlighted at every level: emotions & self-awareness, social skills, character, literacy, math, science, and arts. Adults can navigate through the site based on age, skill, or topic and find tips, tools, research, and resources for a wide range of topics. One example, under the 4-year-old, character tab was an article titled, “Help Them Through Their Fears”. Included in this article, were practical ways to address times when children are fearful or nervous. Especially useful are the craft activities, online games, and free “printables”, like the one called “Our Morning Routine”. This site is easily accessible on both desktop and mobile apps, includes closed captions for videos, and can be accessed in Spanish and English.
Sanford Harmony at Home is a portion of the Sanford Harmony suite of social-emotional learning tools offered free of charge through their online portal. The information and activities offered here help families align their language and behavior with what is happening at school. There are six separate units with activities, art projects, songs, and vocabulary. In addition, for families wanting more information or further training Sanford Harmony offers free webinars.
This website offered by the CDC provides printable checklists of developmental milestones for ages 2 months to 5 years. Families can access these resources online or download the free Milestone Tracker mobile app. There are also photos and videos available to see what typical growth and development look like at each age. Positive parenting tips and other links to promote healthy early childhood development are also offered. Finally, if families are concerned about any aspect of their child's growth this site offers advice for talking with their primary care doctor or seeking a developmental screening.
