DCRC Blog

Emotions are big, powerful and, especially for young children, sometimes overwhelming. Helping children understand what they’re feeling and how to express those feelings safely is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give them. It’s how they learn to manage frustration, show empathy, and build healthy relationships.

Here are some thoughtful ways you can nurture emotional awareness and regulation in classrooms, caregiving spaces, and at home.

If you are an early childhood professional who barely has time to drink your coffee while it’s still hot, this one is for you: the Devereux Adult Resilience Survey (DARS) is like a checklist for those with no time for things like journaling, but who still want to care for their own resilience as much as they care for children’s.

The DARS is a 23-item reflective checklist that helps adults identify their personal strengths in just a few focused minutes. No long writing prompts, no “perfect” answers required. Authored by Mary Mackrain, M.Ed., it invites you to mark how often certain statements feel true for you (Almost Always, Sometimes, Not Yet) and uses those responses to highlight the resilience you already have. Rather than comparing you to anyone else, it simply offers a snapshot of where you are right now so you can celebrate what is working and gently notice where you might need support.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate not only love, but also friendship, kindness, and connection in early childhood classrooms. While children exchange cards and hearts, it’s also an opportunity to nurture the everyday skills that help them build strong, caring relationships. Here are some classroom ideas that encourage children to work together, share joy, and show empathy.

Coming back from a holiday break can be both exciting and challenging, for children and adults alike. After weeks or even just days of different routines, family time, and new experiences, returning to the classroom takes a bit of readjustment. With a few intentional strategies, you can help children (and yourself) make the transition with confidence and joy.

Coming back from a holiday break can be both exciting and challenging, for children and adults alike. After weeks or even just days of different routines, family time, and new experiences, returning to the classroom takes a bit of readjustment. With a few intentional strategies, you can help children (and yourself) make the transition with confidence and joy.

Early childhood educators play an essential role in supporting children’s social and emotional development. When you provide a safe environment for children to explore and express emotions, you create the foundation for lifelong skills. Helping young learners label their feelings not only strengthens their communication but also gives them tools to manage emotions effectively. Over time, this builds empathy, positive peer relationships, and the ability to resolve conflicts in healthy ways.

Every child comes into the world with a unique way of engaging, responding, and interacting. This individual style, known as temperament, is not something a child chooses, nor is it shaped entirely by the environment. From the very beginning, infants and toddlers demonstrate distinct patterns of behavior that influence how they explore, connect with others, and adapt to change.

The end of any season brings a sense of transition, but for children and adults alike, the close of summer can feel especially bittersweet. Summer often means vacations, school breaks, and a slower, more carefree pace of life. Even for children in year-round programs, summer still tends to bring subtle shifts — more outdoor play, special activities, or different daily routines.

The back-to-school season is fast approaching, and it’s not just about the kids. Adults also face the rush of new beginnings, routines, and anxieties this time of year. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, or parent, prioritizing your resilience and social-emotional health is essential for thriving in the months ahead. Why? Because the kiddos in your care are counting on you, and they need you at your healthiest and best. So, as you begin your preparations, we hope you review this “back-to-school list” for adults.

Whether your program has parents/families complete DECAs on their children, or only teachers/caregivers, it is important to discuss DECA results with families. Their interest and involvement are vital to their children’s resilience and social and emotional development. Here are some suggestions for sharing DECA results and collaborating with the families of young children in your care…