Social and Emotional Learning Associated With Universal Curriculum-Based Interventions in Early Childhood Education and Care Centers

Key Points Question How effective are universal curriculum-based social and emotional learning programs delivered in early childhood education and care centers at improving children’s social and emotional development? Findings A systematic review and meta-analysis of 79 unique studies with 18 292 unique participants found children exposed to a universal social and emotional learning intervention showed significant improvement in social competence, emotional competence, behavioral self-regulation, emotional and behavioral problems, and early learning outcomes compared with control participants. Meaning Early childhood is a crucial period for children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, and these findings highlight what appears to be benefit of social and emotional learning interventions for young children across developmental domains.