Beginning in 2015, CES collaborated with the MA Department for Early Education and Care and the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop professional development that would introduce the MA Standards for Preschool and Kindergarten Social and Emotional Learning and Approaches to Play and Learning (SEL/APL Standards). The Train the Trainer course was completed by 125 early educators across the state, who were approved to facilitate the community courses for early educators across settings. This project also included an online introduction course on the SEL/APL Standards, an Administrators/Directors workshop, and a Family Engagement Professional Development session.

For information on the Massachusetts Standards for Preschool and Kindergarten in the Domains of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Approaches to Play and Learning (APL), please visit the mass.gov website. 

Resources for Download

Massachusetts Standards for Preschool and Kindergarten Social and Emotional Learning, and Approaches to Play and Learning booklet

Engaging Families in Social Emotional Learning

• Engaging Families in Social Emotional Learning Part One PPT
• Engaging Families in Social Emotional Learning Part Two PPT
• Engaging Families: Playing to Learn, Learning to Play - Interactive Parent Workshop Video
• Engaging Families: Playing to Learn, Learning to Play - Parent/Caregiver Guide
• Engaging Families Workshop Resources Booklet
• Family Engagement Forum Bibliography
• Facilitators Manual Playing to Learn and Learning to Play Parent Workshop
• Playing to Learn and Learning to Play Workshop Powerpoint

Introduction to the MA Standards for Preschool and Kindergarten Social and Emotional Learning and Approaches to Play and Learning for Administrators and Program Directors

• 1 Hour Presentation
• 90 Minute Presentation

​To access upcoming professional development offerings for early educators, including those related to the MA SEL/APL Standards, please see the calendar below:

To request an in-person traiing on the SEL/APL standards, please contact: