The Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) believes students and school communities must have access to strong, equity-based social, emotional, and behavioral wellbeing supports that inspire educational connection and engagement for school success. We believe students should be connected, protected, and respected.

DDOE focuses on providing professional learning opportunities that inform minds and engage hearts so hands are motivated to move compassionately with the best and most-promising practices for whole-child wellbeing

Delaware SEBW Plan

DDOE’s Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellbeing (SEBW) plan supports districts and schools as they strive to meet the social, emotional and behavioral needs of all students and school staff. This transformative, equity-based work focuses on strategies that integrated into the comprehensive School Discipline Improvement Plan (SDIP). Please complete the SEBW Plan Survey to request assistance.

Developmental trauma and toxic stress hurt a person’s ability to form trust-based relationships, regulate and manage emotions, and develop age-appropriate problem-solving and coping skills. To support students, school staff, and families through trauma and toxic stress, DDOE promotes a statewide culture of care that focuses on brain science, attachment theory, and resilience.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps school communities acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to understand and manage emotions, et and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

  • K-12 SEL competency guide – Provides guidance to Delaware districts and charter schools children build resilience through enhanced social competence and strong relationships. Released January 28, 2020 through work organized by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Vetted by more than 900 Delaware stakeholders over a six-month period.
  • Social, emotional learning (SEL) toolkits – A starting point for educators, school staff and community members to begin integrating SEL into their practices and interactions with students.

DDOE works closely with school mental health providers and community partners to promote opportunities for youth to build protective factors and access support. Protective factors include positive, supportive relationships with peers and adults as well as coping skills.

  • MentalHealthDE.com – Lists helplines and resources for mental health and wellness, suicide prevention and more. Includes services offered through community organizations and state agencies.
  • Mindful Moment videos – A series of 12-minute sessions to help recharge the brain and focus attention. Lessons are available for early childhood (preschool – grade 2) and primary (grades 3-5).
  • Yoga en Español – Vídeos de yoga creados para las familias y los estudiantes de habla hispana de Delaware. (Yoga videos created for Delaware’s Spanish-speaking students and families.)

DDOE recognizes that students and school staff cannot pour from empty wells. We place a high value on self-care as a universal strategy to offset the impact of compassion fatigue and secondary trauma. Our goal is to reduce burnout and ultimately support the retention of a high-quality workforce.

Digital Delaware Resources

The following resources are available for school communities, including educators and families, to help support the whole child.

SEL Toolkits

Delaware’s social and emotional learning (SEL) toolkits include initial strategies and resources to improve students’ social, emotional and behavioral health. They are designed to be used as a starting point for educators, school staff and community members to begin integrating SEL into their practices and interactions with students. 

Mindful Moment Videos

DDOE has created the following 12-minute videos sessions to help students, families and school staff recharge the brain and focus attention. Lessons include strategies to build social competence, emotion awareness, and self-regulation. Strengthen your school and classroom culture of care by including these opportunities to breathe, move, and rest.

Additional Resources

  • Educator training, resources – Current educator training opportunities and resources for social, emotional and behavioral well-being.
  • Public Meeting Calendar – Find upcoming meeting dates, agendas and past meeting minutes for all public Delaware trauma-informed and SEL meetings.

For more information, please contact the social, emotional and behavioral wellbeing team.