Little Roots
Preschool Readiness & Emotional Regulation
The preschool years are a time of incredible growth—but they’re also a time when children are learning how to understand their emotions, navigate friendships, follow routines, and cope with everyday challenges. Little Roots is a caregiver-and-child therapy group designed to help children ages 3–5 develop these foundational social-emotional skills before entering preschool or kindergarten.
Based on the Zones of Regulation® curriculum, Little Roots teaches children to recognize emotions and body signals, develop age-appropriate calming strategies, and practice positive social interactions through stories, games, movement, art, and play. Caregivers participate alongside their child, learning practical strategies they can use at home to reinforce new skills and strengthen the caregiver-child relationship.
The group is led by a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) in a small, supportive environment that encourages connection, confidence, and learning through shared experiences. By participating together, caregivers gain a deeper understanding of their child’s emotional development while children build the skills they need to thrive at home, in school, and in the community.
Program Details
- Ages: 3-5 years
- Length: 8 week program
- Schedule: Wednesdays, 9:00–10:00 PM
- Dates: September 9 – October 28, 2026
- Group Size: Small group
- Format: In person, Honolulu
✨ 8 sessions, 1 hour each
✨ $50/session
✨ Many are able to receive reimbursement through out-of-network insurance benefits
Who Is This Group For?
Little Roots is designed for children ages 3–5 and one participating caregiver who want to build the foundational skills that support success at home, preschool, and beyond.
This group may be a great fit for children who:
- Are preparing to start preschool or kindergarten
- Have big feelings or become easily frustrated or overwhelmed
- Would benefit from learning emotional regulation and calming strategies
- Are developing early social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and playing with peers
- Thrive with predictable routines and structured activities
- Have autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other neurodevelopmental differences—or simply need extra support with social-emotional development
Little Roots is also designed for caregivers who want practical, evidence-based strategies to support their child’s emotional development. By participating together, you’ll learn a shared language for talking about emotions, practice skills in real time, and strengthen your relationship through fun, engaging activities you can continue using at home.
How It Works
Each Little Roots session follows a consistent, predictable routine that helps young children feel safe, engaged, and ready to learn. Caregivers participate alongside their child throughout the group, allowing everyone to practice new skills together.
A typical session includes:
- Welcome Circle Time: Songs, movement activities, visual supports, and introductions to help children transition into the group.
- Skill of the Week: A brief, interactive lesson based on the Zones of Regulation® curriculum that introduces a new emotional regulation or social skill.
- Stories, Games, & Creative Activities: Children and caregivers practice the week’s skill through hands-on games, crafts, music, and movement designed for preschool learners.
- Facilitated Play: Children explore toys and activities during an open play period while the therapist provides gentle coaching to support social interactions, communication, emotional regulation, and caregiver-child connection in real time.
- Closing Circle: We wrap up with songs, a review of the day’s skill, and simple ideas for practicing together at home.
Our goal is to make learning feel playful while giving caregivers practical strategies they can use long after the group ends.
Individualized Starting Assessment
Before joining the group, each participant meets with one of our facilitators to:
- Understand strengths and challenges
- Help ensure a good fit for the group
- Identify personal goals
Level Up is a neurodiversity-affirming space—participants are encouraged to be themselves, and support is tailored to each individual’s needs and pace.
Little Roots Enrollment
Spots Limited!
Sign Up Now!