Characteristics of Existing Measures of Social and Emotional Development in Early Childhood

Social and emotional development in early childhood lays the foundation for children’s development through middle childhood, adolescence, and beyond. Young children who are able to develop positive social relationships, feel confident in themselves, express and manage their emotions, and are more likely to be prepared to learn and succeed in school (C. C. Raver, 2002). Given these findings, policymakers are placing a growing emphasis on promoting positive social and emotional development for young children as part of state and federal initiatives.