Building Social–Emotional Strengths in Early Childhood: The Power of the Five Keys
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In recent years, educators, researchers, and early childhood specialists have increasingly focused on the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in the first five years of life. This shift reflects what many teachers already know: a child’s ability to manage emotions, form relationships, solve problems, and persist through challenges is central to school readiness, wellbeing, and lifelong success.
For more than 30 years, You Can Do It! Education has been a leader in supporting the social–emotional development of young children. Today, hundreds of Early Childhood centres across Australia and New Zealand successfully use the YCDI approach as part of their everyday practice, helping children build confidence, resilience, organisation, persistence, and positive relationships.
This article explores how the YCDI Five Keys to Success and shared language create a strong, practical foundation for wellbeing in the early years.
Why Social–Emotional Learning Matters in the Early Years
A growing body of research shows that SEL in early childhood plays a crucial role in:
- School readiness
- Mental health and emotional regulation
- Cooperation and relationships with peers
- Problem-solving and persistence
- Overall learning engagement and confidence
When children are supported to understand their feelings, try again after setbacks, relate positively to others, and manage daily routines, their learning grows in every area—from language and communication to early numeracy, literacy, and play.
The You Can Do It! Education Early Childhood Program weaves SEL into everyday moments, helping children practise these skills in natural, meaningful ways.
The Five Keys to Success: A Framework for Lifelong Wellbeing
At the heart of the YCDI approach is a simple, powerful framework known as the Five Keys to Success:
- Confidence
- Persistence
- Organisation
- Getting Along
- Resilience
These character strengths form the foundation for emotional wellbeing, learning success, and positive interactions with others.
In the Early Childhood Program, each Key is represented by a playful puppet character—such as Connie Confidence, Pete Persistence, Oscar Organisation, Gabby Get-Along, and Ricky Resilience—who model these behaviours in fun, relatable ways.
Through songs, storytelling, movement, and imaginative play, children learn:
- How to try new things
- How to cooperate with peers
- How to calm down when upset
- How to keep trying when something feels hard
- How to look after belongings and follow routines
This strengths-based approach ensures children build the foundations they need to flourish now and as they move into primary school.
The Power of Collective Language
One of the most important elements of the YCDI Early Childhood approach is the use of collective language—consistent, simple phrases that help children understand and apply social–emotional skills across different situations.
For example:
- “Let’s use our Getting Along skills.”
- “Can you show me your Persistence?”
- “That was a great Confidence moment!”
This shared language helps educators, families, and children communicate about emotions and behaviour in supportive, non-judgmental ways. Over time, children begin to:
- Identify their feelings
- Label positive behaviours
- Solve conflicts more independently
- Take pride in their strengths
- Reflect on their actions
When an entire learning community uses the same language—teachers, leaders, parents, and children—the impact becomes even more powerful. SEL becomes part of the culture, not just a lesson.
Learning Through Play: How Children Build Social–Emotional Skills
One of the strengths of the YCDI Early Childhood Program is its integration into existing routines, play experiences, and learning environments. As described in the original YCDI article, children encounter SEL principles through:
- Puppet role-plays
- Songs and music
- Storytelling and imaginative play
- Movement and group activities
- Everyday classroom transitions
These natural learning moments make it easy for children to practise their skills in real time—packing up materials, negotiating turns, coping when plans change, or trying again after a challenge.
Educators frequently report noticeable improvements in children’s cooperation, willingness to participate, and ability to manage frustration after embedding the Five Keys.
Why Early Childhood Educators Choose You Can Do It! Education
Centres across Australia and New Zealand continue to adopt the YCDI Early Childhood Program because:
- It integrates easily into any Early Childhood curriculum
- It supports both children and educators
- It uses evidence-informed SEL practices
- It builds a positive learning culture
- Children respond strongly to the puppet characters and play-based approach
With over three decades of development and continuous refinement, the program is trusted by educators for its practicality, clarity, and child-centred design.
Creating a Strong Start for Every Child
By prioritising social–emotional learning in the earliest years, we give children the tools they need for a confident, resilient, and connected start to life. The You Can Do It! Education Early Childhood Program brings SEL to life through play, language, storytelling, and daily interactions—helping young learners build the foundations for lifelong success.