Your child melts down during transitions.
Big emotions show up before they have the words to explain them.
Behaviors spill over at home, school, or in public.
You’re not alone. These behaviors are communication.
Big feelings don’t always come with words — especially for children ages 3–5.
At this age, emotions are often felt in the body before children have the language to explain them. When feelings build up, behaviors can take over, especially during transitions, group activities, or new environments.
Little Detectives: Big Feelings helps children learn how to notice, name, and safely express their emotions so they feel more confident navigating everyday moments.
Children learn to recognize emotions in their bodies before reacting.
Children build emotional vocabulary to express what they’re feeling.
Children practice safely sharing feelings with trusted adults.
Little Detectives: Big Feelings is a structured, play-based social-emotional learning program for children ages 3–5.
Through stories, movement, games, and guided activities, children learn to:
notice emotions in their bodies
name feelings using simple language
share feelings in safe, supportive ways
Program Snapshot
Ages served: 3–5
Format: Small-group sessions
Focus: Emotional awareness, language, and expression
Little Detectives: Big Feelings is led by a multidisciplinary team with experience in early childhood development, school counseling, mental health counseling, and psychology.
Our work is grounded in evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices that prioritize emotional safety, connection, and learning through play. We believe young children learn best when they feel seen, supported, and safe to explore their feelings.