Nurturing hearts and minds
At Hearts and Minds in Education, we believe every child deserves to flourish emotionally and socially. Our passion is rooted in understanding how early experiences shape development, empowering educators and families with research-backed strategies to foster vital social-emotional skills from infancy through adolescence.
First Foundations of Social-Emotional Growth
Prenatal development and care strongly influence later social-emotional health. Healthy maternal nutrition, minimal stress, and avoidance of harmful substances during pregnancy support optimal brain development (Ormrod et al., 2024). Poor prenatal care, high maternal stress, and exposure to harmful substances can increase risks for developmental delays that affect attachment, impulse control, and peer relationships later in life. Early childhood care, especially secure emotional bonds between caregiver and child, further shapes SEL outcomes. Healthy beginnings lead to stronger emotions, better relationships, and improved school readiness.
The power of social/emotional learning
Hearts and Minds in Education was founded on the conviction that social-emotional learning (SEL) is the bedrock of lifelong well-being. We delve into the profound effect that prenatal development, early childhood experiences, and ongoing care have on a child's social and emotional growth. Our insights provide a roadmap for understanding key social/emotional milestones for infancy, toddlerhood, and early childhood, ensuring a strong foundation for future success. We are driven by the desire to highlight this crucial area and its transformative potential.
Empowering educators and families
Our primary focus is to support and empower the dedicated educators and loving families who shape young lives. We equip teachers with practical social-emotional learning strategies and activities for the classroom, alongside clear definitions and examples of self-regulation. We identify specific ways teachers can model and encourage self-regulation skills, creating a more harmonious learning environment. For families, we provide actionable social and emotional learning strategies and self-regulation techniques to implement at home, reinforcing consistent support for their child's development.
Unique approach: Community, research, and compassion
What sets Hearts and Minds in Education apart is our holistic engagement. We go beyond standard SEL instruction by involving the entire community children, families, and educators in a shared journey of emotional growth. Our approach seamlessly blends cutting-edge research with real-life strategies, adapting to diverse cultural contexts. We prioritize building caring relationships that are the foundation for sustained long-term well-being. By fostering emotional intelligence in children and empowering the adults around them, we cultivate consistent, compassion-driven environments where every individual can truly flourish.
Creating consistent, compassion-driven environments
At Hearts and Minds in Education, based in Whittier, California, we are committed to supporting both children and the adults in their lives. Our mission is to provide the understanding and practical tools needed for every child to develop strong social-emotional skills, fostering a world where emotional intelligence truly flourishes. Visit our website for news and blog posts on this important work.