Created in 2017, PEDALS Michigan partners with early childhood teachers and agencies to build children’s social-emotional skills and increase kindergarten readiness.
Combining multiple approaches for a single purpose.
PEDALS is uniquely designed to empower early childhood educators with evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, professional development, and in-classroom coaching.
Our strengths-based model builds productive relationships, nurtures brain development, and creates a positive learning environment. By partnering with PEDALS, you can help young learners thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Guided by research and experience.
PEDALS combines an evidence-based curriculum with research-informed programming. We work with teachers to implement the curriculum in a way that aligns with how young children develop, think, and learn.
The PEDALS program is administered over two years for school districts, center-based and in-home childcare providers, and early childhood agencies to foster young children’s social-emotional health.
Since its inception, PEDALS has:
- Trained over 600 early childhood professionals.
- Benefited over 5,000+ students.
- Launched our infant/toddler program, Everyday Interactions
Matter, from the Fred Rogers Institute.
The importance of social-emotional learning.
SEL focuses on interpersonal skills such as self-awareness of feelings, showing empathy, and managing strong emotions. While these can come naturally to some children, they’re all teachable skills. What are the characteristics of a socially and emotionally healthy child?
- Displays empathy for others
- Sets and achieves positive goals
- Makes responsible decisions
- Recognizes and manages emotions
- Maintains positive relationships
Benefits that last a lifetime.
- Research shows that children with strong social-emotional skills are:
- More successful in elementary school
- Less likely to drop out of school
- Less likely to commit crimes in adolescence
- Likely to earn more as adults
Countering the effects of poverty.
Children living in poverty are more likely to suffer social-emotional delays and struggle with school, putting them at a disadvantage. Less than half of children living in poverty are ready for kindergarten at age 5.
Why we’re the experts in social-emotional learning.
Our experience has taught us that strong relationships are crucial in everything we do. Building positive connections allows us to work together effectively, enabling us to help classrooms thrive. Collaboration is key to helping children develop the social and emotional skills they need for school and life.
PEDALS coaches have decades of collective experience in teaching children and supporting the teachers who play a crucial role in a child’s development. By combining our deep understanding of relationship-building with practical experience and knowledge of early childhood education, we provide the right support to foster learning and growth for everyone involved.
Service area.
Our program serves Southeast Michigan, including Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe, Livingston, and St. Clair.
Funding and support.
