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What Is Second Step®?

A holistic approach to building supportive communities for every child through social-emotional learning.
Click on a section to explore
Second Step® programs.
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FamiliesEarly LearningElementaryMiddle SchoolHigh SchoolSEL for AdultsOut-of-School Time
A holistic approach to building supportive communities for every child through social-emotional learning.
Click on a section to explore
Second Step® programs.
Family Supports
All Second Step® programs include supports for families, from weekly letters and book lists to free resources like The Imagine Neighborhood™ podcast series and ParenTeen Connect. Families can also bring social-emotional learning home through our Captain Compassion® comics, which give kids and adults the power to prevent bullying, as well as our Hot Chocolate Talk® resource, which helps families talk about child safety.
Second Step Early Learning
Social-emotional learning classroom kits and online resources to help your littlest learners harness their energy and potential.
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Second Step Child Protection Unit
A stand-alone unit with staff training, student lessons, and family materials to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
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Second Step Elementary
Universal, classroom-based, social-emotional learning curriculum for Kindergarten–Grade 5 that nurtures children’s social-emotional competence and foundational learning skills. Choose from two options: the new Second Step® Elementary digital program, or evidence-based Second Step Elementary classroom kits.
Second Step Elementary works together with Second Step® Bullying Prevention Unit (K–5), Second Step® Child Protection Unit (EL–5), and Second Step® Out-of-School Time (K–5) to create a safer, more positive school community.
Second Step Middle School
Web-based, teacher-facilitated lessons and advisory activities, along with program training and resources to help middle schoolers build social-emotional skills for life.
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Second Step SEL for Adults
In 2021, our adult professional learning program will be available to support the social-emotional development of K–12 educators. Second Step SEL for Adults is a stand-alone program, so even if your high school doesn’t have a student-facing social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, the program will help build a stronger school community around SEL—starting with the adults.
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Second Step SEL for Adults
A stand-alone professional learning program for schools and districts to inspire and strengthen the school community by supporting K–12 educators’ social-emotional development.
Coming in 2021
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Second Step Out-of-School Time
A research-based program for after-school and other out-of-school time settings that helps support youth development and build more positive communities through social-emotional learning. The program includes age-appropriate activities for children in Grades K–5 as well as online training and embedded supports for adult facilitators.
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The Case for a Holistic Approach to SEL

Decades of research show the positive effects of universal, classroom-based SEL programs for children. There’s also broad recognition that benefits are even greater when children experience SEL throughout their day, across home, school, and out-of-school time environments, and throughout developmental stages. When implemented holistically, with a coordinated, community-wide approach, SEL can build stronger communities and support inclusive, equitable learning.
Download White Paper

  • teacher with digital program projection

    Second Step® Elementary Digital Program

    The new Second Step® Elementary digital program is designed to meet the needs of today’s classrooms.
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  • coming soon

    Second Step® SEL for Adults

    Now in development: a professional learning program for all school staff to strengthen their social-emotional skills.
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Second Step® is Leveling Up

The Second Step family of programs helps you take a holistic approach to social-emotional learning (SEL), combining classroom SEL with new offerings for out-of-school time and SEL for adults. Learn how our expanded family of programs can help you level up with:

  • Compassion in the classroom
  • Common language across environments
  • Educator well-being

Second Step® and Your Community

Create Successful Learners

Students need to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

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Empower Adults

Giving teachers the time they need and tools worth embracing makes all the difference.

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Provide a Common Language

With the entire community on the same page, the future looks bright for all kids.

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Improve Academics

Social-emotional learning can boost attendance and graduation rates and lead to better academic performance.

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Take the Next Step

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Webinars

Browse our on-demand Second Step and SEL webinars.

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Our team is standing by to get you started!

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See the full Second Step family of programs for PreK–Grade 8.

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The Nonprofit Behind Second Step® Programs

While we’re best known for our Second Step social-emotional learning programs, Committee for Children has championed the safety and well-being of children since 1979. From our headquarters in Seattle, Washington, we partner with researchers, policymakers, and thought leaders to fulfill our vision of safe children thriving in a peaceful world. Learn more about our work.