Teaching SEL shouldn’t feel like another burden.
But for so many early childhood educators and school leaders, it does.
You’re expected to teach social-emotional learning, but you don’t have the time, training, or resources to do it in a way that feels meaningful.
That’s exactly why we created the humanKIND Framework, a simple, low-prep SEL solution designed specifically for early childhood classrooms.
What Is the humanKIND Framework?
The humanKIND Framework is our signature SEL solution that guides educators and directors through a five-phase process to seamlessly implement emotional literacy, kindness, and community-building in Pre-K to Grade 1 settings. Grounded in storytelling, play-based learning, and real classroom experience, this approach was built to reduce prep stress and increase classroom connection. without adding more to your plate.
The 5 Phases of the humanKIND Framework
Each step of the framework is intentional, flexible, and grounded in what actually works for young children and busy educators:
1. Connect: Assess needs and align goals
Start with a clear understanding of your school’s SEL needs. Through a 1:1 discovery call, we help you define what success looks like and tailor the program to your goals.
Mini Motto: “Begin with clarity.”
2. Equip: Train and prepare teachers
Teachers receive a self-paced professional development workshop that blends theory with practical strategies. You can also add an in-person workshop for deeper connection.
Mini Motto: “Confidence through training.”
3. Implement: Launch the curriculum with ease
Access the full humanKIND Curriculum on our easy-to-use digital platform, complete with weekly lesson plans, books, worksheets, and guides.
Mini Motto: “Everything in one place.”
4. Engage: Involve and empower families
With take-home letters, monthly newsletters, and simple at-home tools, families feel involved and invested in their child’s emotional growth.
Mini Motto: “Bridge school and home.”
5. Elevate: We’re With You. Reflect & Shine.
We offer ongoing support through email check-ins, virtual Q&As, and custom Little Dude video visits. At the end of your rollout, we reflect on what worked and celebrate your growth together.
Mini Motto: “Celebrate the impact.”
Why It Works
- Built for children ages 3–7
- Requires minimal prep
- Aligned with real classroom routines
- Boosts teacher confidence and consistency
- Builds trust with families
- Anchored by a real-life therapy dog: Little Dude
The humanKIND Framework aligns with research-backed best practices in social-emotional learning, including the CASEL SEL Framework, which emphasizes self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. It also reflects insights from leading organizations like Harvard’s Making Caring Common Project, which highlight the importance of empathy, connection, and character development in early learning environments.
👉Download our Signature Solution: humanKIND Curriclum Framework here
👉Explore the humanKIND Curriculum here.
Ready to bring meaningful SEL to your school, without adding more to your teachers’ plates?
👉 Book a free 30-minute consult with Cara Zelas here
