
A blog by Emily Dills – AYS Educational Consultant
My connection with AYS runs deep – first as a parent, then as an educator, and now as a consultant. As a former K-5 educator specializing in special and elementary education in MSD of Washington Township and southern Indiana, I’ve seen firsthand the vital role that afterschool programs play in children’s development. This became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic when my own son attended AYS while navigating virtual school as my husband and I worked.
This personal experience, combined with my role as MSD of Washington Township’s Elementary Social Emotional Learning Coach, led to a natural collaboration with AYS. What began as providing SEL strategies and curriculum support has grown into a comprehensive partnership. Today, I work closely with select AYS sites, offering focused coaching and modeling of SEL strategies and curriculum implementation.
Understanding SEL at AYS
You might be wondering, “What exactly is SEL, and how does it show up in my child’s afterschool activities?” Social Emotional Learning encompasses key skills that children need to develop alongside their academic abilities. At AYS, we believe these skills are just as important as learning reading, writing, math, and yes – even tying shoes! These essential competencies include:

We approach these skills through both “caught” and “taught” experiences. Children naturally “catch” these skills through play, collaborative learning, and problem-solving with peers. We also intentionally “teach” these skills through weekly 30-minute lessons using research-based curriculum inspired by Committee for Children’s Second Step program – the same program many of our partner schools use. This alignment helps children hear consistent language from their school teachers and AYS youth leaders.
These skills are never fully “mastered” – even as adults, we continue to develop them throughout our lives. Just as we build physical strength through exercise, social and emotional skills need intentional practice and support, especially during childhood. In fact, this development is what childhood is all about!
You might hear SEL referred to by other names: emotional intelligence, life skills, or employability skills. These are the same capabilities that employers seek in their workforce and that communities need in their citizens, which is why we’re committed to nurturing them in your children.
Want to Learn More?
Visit Casel for comprehensive information about SEL, or reach out to me, Emily Dills, along with our other AYS staff members. Look for future newsletters where I’ll share practical tips and information to support your family’s SEL journey.
Emily Dills Website – www.emilydills.com