Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters

Critical Window for Emotional Intelligence

Brain development from age 0 to 5 is the crucial window for building emotional intelligence:

skills like self-regulation, empathy, and problem-solving.

Our Proven Approach

  • The begin to ECSEL® method equips caregivers to foster these core skills in young children.
  • Backed by neuroscience, it improves emotional competence, school readiness, and lifelong success.

Why It Works

  • Emotional intelligence and cognition are deeply connected.
  • Children learn through relationships—especially with caregivers and teachers.

Secure Attachments Matter

Our caregiver-as-socializer model creates secure attachment relationships, crucial for

  • Healthy brain development
  • Stress management
  • Emotional and cognitive growth

The Impact

  • Better self-regulation
  • More joyful, nurturing classrooms
  • Optimal learning environments for all

Behavior Change Training & Curriculums

Emotion as a Learning Opportunity

In begin to ECSEL®, caregivers strengthen relationships and use real emotional moments to teach emotion regulation strategies. This boosts children’s social and cognitive development.

“As a society, we are seeing an alarming rise in behavioral problems, bullying, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and lack of empathy.

Our program helps to develop in students a strong sense of self, the ability to manage stress and emotions, and have empathy for, and understanding of, each other's differences—

all vital not only for strengthening our own mental health but also to building a strong future for us all."
—Dr. Donna Housman, Founder, Housman Institute

Empathy and Emotion Regulation Matter

Research shows a strong link between empathy, emotion regulation, and positive prosocial behaviors.

Evidence confirms that supporting students’ social, emotional, and academic development benefits all children and relates positively to the traditional measures we care about: attendance, grades, test scores, graduation rates, college and career success, engage citizenship, and overall well-being.

Aspen Institute, 2019