By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq.
If you’re the parent of a child receiving special education services, you probably know better than anyone else that learning goes far beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic. Helping your child manage emotions, build friendships, and feel confident in themselves is just as important. That’s where Social Emotional Learning (SEL) comes in.
SEL is the process of teaching someone how to recognize their emotions, interact positively with others, set and work toward goals, and make thoughtful decisions. These skills help them become successful in school and in life. For students with disabilities, SEL can be a powerful tool to help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
How SEL Supports Students in Special Education
Many special education students face challenges with emotional regulation, social interaction, and/or behavioral issues. These challenges might be related to a learning, developmental or emotional disability, such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety. SEL addresses these challenges in a structured, supportive way by:
- Teaching your child how to identify feelings and how to cope with them in healthy ways.
- Helping your child understand social cues, express themselves clearly, and develop empathy.
- Showing your child how to set goals and solve problems.
These benefits can lead to better behavior, more participation in class, and greater academic growth.
What SEL Looks Like for Your Child
In a special education classroom, SEL is often integrated into a student’s daily routine. Teachers may use role playing, social stories, visual aids, or structured programs to build these skills. Many schools also include social-emotional goals in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
You might see IEP goals like:
- “Identifying emotions in self and others with 80% accuracy.”
- “Using coping strategies during times of frustration in four out of five trials.”
- “Initiating and maintaining peer interactions in structured settings with 80% accuracy.”
You can also support SEL at home by reinforcing the strategies your child is learning at school. Ask their teachers or therapists for suggestions, as they can suggest simple tools like emotion charts, breathing techniques, or sharing stories about feelings which can make a big difference.
The Longterm Value of SEL
When children with disabilities build strong social-emotional skills, they’re better prepared to face challenges, communicate their needs, and connect with others. Over time, this helps them not only succeed in school but also transition more smoothly into adulthood, whether that means pursuing a job, going to college, or living independently.
As a parent, you play a vital role in your child’s growth. By understanding and supporting Social Emotional Learning, you’re helping your child develop the confidence, resilience, and relationships they need to reach their full potential. SEL isn’t just something that your child learns at school and then forgets. Rather, it’s a life skill your child will carry with them forever.
