At Open Doors Preschool, we believe that early childhood is more than just ABCs and 123s, it’s a profound time for emotional growth. In recent years, research has increasingly confirmed what experienced educators have long observed: emotional intelligence (EI) is just as vital as cognitive intelligence in determining a child’s future success. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and why is it especially important in these foundational years?
Let’s dive into the heart of this crucial concept and explore how nurturing emotional intelligence in early childhood can shape children into empathetic, resilient, and socially capable individuals.
What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as to empathize with and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. Psychologist Daniel Goleman, a pioneer in this field, identifies five components of EI:
- Self-awareness
- Self-regulation
- Motivation
- Empathy
- Social skills
When these skills are cultivated early, children develop healthier relationships, better decision-making capabilities, and a stronger sense of self.
Why Early Childhood Is the Ideal Time to Build EI
Early childhood, typically from ages 2 to 6, is a time of incredible brain development. During this period, children form the neurological and emotional foundation for behaviors, attitudes, and relationships they will carry throughout life.
At Open Doors Preschool, we focus on these formative years because:
- Children are naturally curious and impressionable.
- They are beginning to navigate peer relationships independently.
- They are just starting to recognize and label their own emotions.
By integrating emotional intelligence education into daily routines, we help children build the tools they need to express themselves constructively and compassionately.
The Role of Preschool in Fostering EI
A well-designed preschool program does much more than prepare children for kindergarten. It acts as a social laboratory where children:
- Learn how to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts
- Practice identifying their feelings through storytelling, art, and conversation
- Receive gentle coaching in managing frustration or disappointment
- Observe empathy and cooperation in action from both peers and educators
At Open Doors, our classrooms are intentionally structured to offer emotional learning opportunities through guided play, role-modeling, and open communication.
How Educators and Parents Partner in Emotional Growth
Children thrive when adults in their lives are consistent in expectations and support. That’s why collaboration between educators and parents is essential. Our educators regularly communicate with parents about each child’s emotional development and provide suggestions for at-home support.
Here’s how we work together:
- Weekly updates on social-emotional milestones
- Parent workshops focused on emotional coaching techniques
- Storytime sessions that emphasize empathy and understanding
- Positive reinforcement systems that celebrate effort and kindness
This partnership ensures that emotional learning is reinforced in every setting, giving children a cohesive support system.
Key Emotional Skills Preschoolers Learn
- Self-Awareness
- Recognizing their own feelings and naming them (“I feel sad” or “I’m excited”)
- Understanding the link between feelings and actions
- Self-Regulation
- Learning how to calm down after getting upset
- Developing patience and impulse control
- Empathy
- Understanding that others have feelings too
- Responding to others’ emotions with care (e.g., offering a toy to a sad friend)
- Social Skills
- Initiating play
- Resolving conflicts with words instead of aggression
- Effective Communication
- Using words to express needs
- Listening actively during group activities or storytime
The Long-Term Benefits of Early Emotional Intelligence
Children who develop strong emotional intelligence early on tend to:
- Have stronger peer relationships
- Exhibit fewer behavioral problems
- Show better academic performance
- Have higher self-esteem
- Are more resilient in the face of challenges
Multiple studies, including those by Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child, have shown that children with robust social-emotional skills are better prepared to learn, less likely to engage in disruptive behavior, and more likely to thrive in school and beyond.
How Open Doors Preschool Builds Emotional Intelligence
Our approach at Open Doors Preschool includes:
- Emotion-focused curricula integrated into daily activities
- Safe and nurturing environments where children feel valued
- Teacher-guided reflection, where children talk about feelings and experiences
- Mindfulness moments, helping children check in with their emotions
- Diverse and inclusive materials, encouraging empathy and understanding of different perspectives
Whether it’s through cooperative games, circle time conversations, or calming corners where children can regroup, we place EI at the heart of everything we do.
Emotional Intelligence in Action: Real-Life Examples
- A four-year-old becomes upset when they lose a game. Instead of throwing a tantrum, they take a deep breath and say, “I’m sad I lost, but I’ll try again.”
- Two preschoolers argue over a toy. A teacher guides them to say how they feel and helps them come to a fair solution.
- A child notices another is crying and brings over a favorite stuffed animal to comfort them.
These moments, though small, are incredibly powerful and cumulative. They lay the groundwork for future leaders, collaborators, and compassionate community members.
Conclusion: Building Brighter Futures Through Emotional Growth
In a world that values technical skills and academic achievement, emotional intelligence can sometimes be overlooked, but not at Open Doors Preschool. We see emotional development as the bedrock of all learning. By fostering empathy, self-awareness, and social skills in young children, we prepare them not just for school, but for life.
If you’re seeking a preschool that values the heart as much as the mind, Open Doors Preschool is here for your family. Let’s nurture the emotional intelligence that will empower your child to shine.
Ready to give your child the emotional tools for a lifetime of success? Contact Open Doors Preschool today to schedule a tour or learn more about our programs. We’d love to meet you and your little one!
