Ever wondered how your child’s friendships and social skills impact their future success? Research shows that strong social-emotional development in early childhood plays a key role in academic achievement, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth. At Affinity Education, we focus on helping children build confidence, communication skills, and positive relationships - all essential for school and life.
As part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), social connectivity is one of four key learning outcomes:
- Emotional Confidence – Developing resilience, self-regulation, and a strong sense of self.
- Social Connectivity – Building relationships, developing communication skills, and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Foundational Learning – Supporting early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills.
- Physical Health & Wellbeing – Encouraging movement, coordination, and healthy habits.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- How does social connectivity help my child’s learning and confidence?
- What are the social milestones my child should reach by age 5?
- How do early friendships prepare children for school?
- The role of early childhood educators in fostering social development
- How Affinity Education supports social-emotional learning through the Lifelong Learning Curriculum
Learn more about our Lifelong Learning Curriculum here.
How Does Social Connectivity Help My Child’s Learning and Confidence?
Social connectivity is about more than just making friends - it’s about learning how to communicate, collaborate, and express emotions in a positive way. Strong social skills enable children to engage confidently in new situations, adapt to challenges, and build relationships that support their learning journey.
5 ways early friendships support learning and wellbeing:
- Better emotional regulation – Socially connected children can manage their emotions and cope with stress more effectively.
- Stronger communication skills – Engaging with others helps children develop language and self-expression.
- Increased academic readiness – Research shows that children with strong early social skills transition into school more smoothly.
- Greater self-confidence – Feeling secure in relationships allows children to explore and take on new learning challenges.
- Long-term wellbeing – Positive early relationships contribute to mental health and social success later in life.
According to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child, children who build strong relationships in early childhood demonstrate higher academic achievement, greater emotional intelligence, and stronger problem-solving skills throughout life.
What Are the Social Milestones My Child Should Reach by Age 5?
Social development happens gradually, with each stage building on the previous one. By providing structured social experiences, we help children gain confidence in their relationships and communication skills.
- 0-6 months - Recognises familiar faces, responds to voices, and enjoys close contact.
- 6-12 months - Smiles at others, babbles to communicate, and starts showing preference for familiar people.
- 12-24 months - Engages in simple play, imitates others, and starts using words to express emotions.
- 2-3 years - Begins parallel play (playing alongside others), shows independence, and understands simple social rules.
- 3-4 years - Engages in cooperative play, takes turns, and begins showing empathy.
- 4-5 years - Forms friendships, follows group routines, problem-solves with peers, and develops negotiation skills.
How Do Early Friendships Prepare Children for School?
Developing social connectivity in early childhood isn’t just about forming friendships - it also supports cognitive growth and school readiness. According to the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), children with strong early social interactions are less likely to struggle with classroom behaviour, focus, and participation in learning activities.
3 Simple activities to strengthen your child’s social skills:
- Encourage group play – Playdates, playgroups, or structured activities help children practice cooperation and sharing.
- Practice taking turns – Board games, storytelling, or structured conversations teach patience and listening skills.
- Talk about feelings – Helping your child name their emotions builds emotional intelligence and empathy.
The Role of Early Childhood Educators in Fostering Social Development
Qualified early childhood educators play a vital role in helping children develop social skills by:
- Creating inclusive environments where children feel safe and valued.
- Modeling positive interactions and encouraging respectful communication.
- Helping children navigate social challenges by teaching problem-solving and emotional regulation skills.
- Encouraging teamwork through structured group activities and cooperative learning experiences.
According to ACECQA (Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority), early learning programs - such as the Lifelong Learning Curriculum at Affinity Education centres - that prioritise social-emotional development enhance school readiness, build resilience, and support long-term academic success.
How Affinity Education Supports Social-Emotional Learning
At Affinity Education, our Lifelong Learning Curriculum ensures children develop the social skills they need for future success. Here’s how we help:
1. Creating a Sense of Belonging
We foster warm, inclusive environments where children feel safe, valued, and confident in expressing themselves.
2. Encouraging Teamwork and Communication
We foster warm, inclusive environments where children feel safe, valued, and confident in expressing themselves.
3. Teaching Emotional Intelligence
Educators guide children in recognising their emotions and responding thoughtfully to others.
4. Supporting Positive Peer Interactions
Children engage in both structured and unstructured play, learning how to share, cooperate, and build friendships.
5. Preparing for Primary School
Social connectivity is an essential part of school readiness, helping children adapt to structured learning environments, follow routines, and engage confidently with teachers and peers.
Find out how our curriculum supports lifelong learning here.
How Affinity Education Supports Social-Emotional Learning
Social connectivity in early childhood is the foundation for a happy, confident, and successful future. At Affinity Education, we believe that fostering strong relationships, communication skills, and emotional intelligence in the early years sets children up for lifelong success.
Through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework, we ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop the social skills needed for academic achievement, emotional wellbeing, and future relationships.
Want to give your child the best start in life? Find your nearest Affinity Education centre, book a tour and discover how Affinity Education fosters social growth through quality early learning experiences!