New this year, Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) is providing all Kindergarten students and their families with direct programming targeting social-emotional skill development.
The initiative is in collaboration with TLDSB Curriculum Services and Mental Health Services, and has been delivered through a variety of learning methods.
“Focusing on mental health promotion and the development of social-emotional learning skills for our youngest learners has been a rewarding and vital initiative,” expressed TLDSB district manager of Mental Health Services, Allison Jones. “This successful partnership between TLDSB Curriculum Services and Mental Health Services is a powerful reminder that collaboration is key to effectively meeting the needs of every student.”
The following four initiatives have taken place:
1. In September 2025, all Kindergarten families were given a hard-copy booklet of at-home activities for parents/guardians and families to promote well-being and resilience with their student(s). The resource was developed by School Mental Health Ontario.
2. A live, online Well-being Matters webinar for all parents/guardians of Kindergarten students was held in October 2025. The webinar explored strategies to support social-emotional learning in order to develop a healthy mindset from an early age, and offered practical strategies to help families promote mental health and wellness. Visit the TLDSB YouTube account to see the recording of the presentation.
3. TLDSB offered TRAILS to Wellness licenses to all Kindergarten classrooms. This license equips teachers with the training and resources they need to provide direct programming targeting social-emotional skill development.
4. In February, Kindergarten classrooms took part in an online lesson led by Curriculum Services consultants. The half hour sessions focused on social-emotional skills development in literacy and the arts, and is embedded through cross-curricular and integrated learning. In total, 15 Kindergarten classes from across the Board attended two sessions, engaging students in reading, writing, and art activities.
