At Jelly Bean Junction in Melbourne, Florida, we prioritize social development in early childhood because we understand it lays the foundation for lifelong emotional intelligence, communication, and cooperation.

Children don’t just “pick up” social skills—they are nurtured through consistent routines, supportive relationships, and intentional learning opportunities. At Jelly Bean Junction, we embed social-emotional learning into everything we do.

Why Social Development in Early Childhood Matters

Social-emotional skills are key predictors of success in school and life. According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, early experiences help shape the brain’s architecture for future learning, behavior, and health.

When children learn how to express feelings, cooperate with others, and manage frustration, they’re not only preparing for kindergarten—they’re building the tools they’ll use for a lifetime.

That’s why social development in early childhood is at the core of our philosophy at Jelly Bean Junction.

Understanding Social Development in Early Childhood

Social development in early childhood includes the growth of a child’s ability to relate to others, regulate emotions, and participate in group life. From learning to take turns to expressing empathy, these skills develop over time through nurturing relationships and play.

Social Milestones by Age

Our classrooms are designed around the social-emotional needs of children at each stage of development:

Infants (0–12 months)

• Smile socially and respond to voices

• Develop attachment to caregivers

• Enjoy one-on-one interactions like peek-a-boo

Toddlers (1–3 years)

• Engage in parallel play with peers

• Begin using language to express wants and needs

• Show early signs of empathy

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

• Practice cooperative play and simple group rules

• Express emotions with words

• Begin resolving conflict with adult guidance

Kindergarten-Age (5–6 years)

• Build friendships and develop loyalty

• Share, take turns, and follow multi-step group routines

• Understand fairness and problem-solving

How We Support Social Development in Early Childhood

We intentionally design experiences that foster social development in early childhood, including:

• Play-Based Learning: Children develop social skills by playing, exploring, and imagining together.

• Teacher Modeling: Our educators show kindness, patience, and problem-solving in real time.

• Structured Routines: Predictable schedules help children feel safe, confident, and ready to engage.

Our Curriculum: Learning Beyond Paper

Jelly Bean Junction uses the Learning Beyond Paper curriculum, a comprehensive, research-based program that integrates social-emotional learning into everyday activities. Children explore emotions, practice teamwork, and build friendships through guided play and conversation.

🔗 Explore our curriculum (internal link)

Partnering with Families

We know that consistency between school and home is essential to healthy development. That’s why we involve families in daily reflections, behavior updates, and social learning goals. Together, we can help each child build a strong foundation for confidence, kindness, and lifelong relationships.

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Ready to Support Your Child’s Social Growth?

At Jelly Bean Junction, we are proud to be more than just a safe place for care—we’re a community that nurtures the heart, mind, and spirit. If you’re looking for a program that champions social development in early childhood, we invite you to come see us in action.

🔗 Schedule a tour today and discover how we’re shaping tomorrow’s compassionate leaders.