This article discusses social and emotional competence and its importance in young children's development. Foundations for children's social and emotional competence are developed during the early years and are linked with school success and later-in-life well-being. We discuss three factors affecting children's social and emotional interactions and explore various strategies that teachers can use to promote the development of social and emotional competence. Strategies encourage teachers' active facilitation of supporting children's development and are grounded in strong positive relationships and supportive environments.