In our journey of supporting parents in finding the right learning environment for their children, Esearch has noticed a positive shift: parents are no longer asking only, “What curriculum does the school offer?” They are also beginning to prioritize questions such as: “Is my child happy, confident, and able to manage emotions?”

In modern education, knowledge is essential, but social-emotional skills are what help children grow more fully. This is why EQ and SEL are becoming key pillars in children’s holistic development.

WHAT ARE EQ AND SEL?

Many people may confuse these two concepts, but in fact, they complement each other:

EQ — Emotional Quotient: The ability to recognize, understand, and regulate one’s own emotions, while also showing empathy toward others.

SEL — Social and Emotional Learning: The educational process that helps children develop essential skills such as self-awareness, self-management, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making.

According to CASEL — a leading organization in SEL in the United States — social-emotional learning is not a separate subject, but an essential part of human development.

WHY ARE EQ AND SEL IMPORTANT?

1. Helping children learn more effectively

A child may be intelligent, but if they easily lose their temper, fear making mistakes, or give up too quickly, learning can still become difficult. When children know how to manage emotions and become more persistent, they are more likely to learn actively, stay focused, and engage positively.

OECD — the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development — has noted that social-emotional skills are linked to academic success, life satisfaction, and reduced anxiety in the classroom.

2. Helping children stay balanced under pressure

Children today face many pressures from academics, social media, comparison, and expectations from those around them. SEL helps children name their emotions, understand what they are going through, and learn healthier ways to respond.

3. Helping children communicate and integrate better

Children need to learn how to listen, share, cooperate, resolve conflicts, and respect differences. These are important skills in the classroom, at home, and in social relationships.

According to CASEL, SEL includes five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

4. Preparing children for the future

The future does not only need people with knowledge. It needs individuals who can adapt, collaborate, think creatively, and take responsibility for their choices. SEL helps learners develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed to create positive change.

WHERE CAN PARENTS BEGIN?

Parents can nurture EQ and SEL through everyday situations: helping children name their emotions, listening instead of judging too quickly, teaching them to say sorry and thank you, encouraging them to share their thoughts, and working with them to solve problems.

Small but consistent actions can gradually help children develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and more positive behavior.

ESEARCH’S PERSPECTIVE

From Esearch’s perspective, a good educational environment does not only teach knowledge. It also helps children develop emotionally, intellectually, personally, and socially.

When choosing a school for their child, parents should also observe how the school supports children’s emotional development, communication, collaboration, and integration — alongside curriculum, tuition fees, and facilities.

CONCLUSION

EQ and SEL are not “extra” parts of education. They are the foundation that helps children learn better, live more balanced lives, and grow with greater confidence.

At Esearch, we believe a good educational choice should not only answer the question: “What will my child learn?” It should also answer: “What kind of person will my child become?”

*Esearch is always ready to accompany you in finding the best educational environment for the next generation.

For more details on school programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit:https://esearch.vn/en .

Source: Compiled by Esearch.

Summer is not only a time for children to rest, but also an opportunity for them to explore new experiences: communicate more, stay active, become more independent, and discover their own potential.

In the Ho Chi Minh City – Binh Duong – Vung Tau area, parents can consider different types of summer camps, such as English, technology, life skills, military-style training, and nature survival camps. Each type serves a different developmental goal, so Esearch suggests that parents choose a program based on their child’s age, personality, and actual needs.

1. ENGLISH & INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATION SUMMER CAMP

Suitable for children who need to improve their listening and speaking reflexes, build communication confidence, and become familiar with an English-learning environment.

Featured program: ILA Summer 2026

Organizer: ILA Vietnam / ILA English Center
Age group: 2.5–16 years old
Duration: 7 weeks
Format: Day camp
Program highlights: International-standard English learning combined with experiential activities, skills-based projects, green farm experiences, exploration trips, and summer festival activities. The program is divided into age groups: 2.5–8, 8–11, and 11–16 years old.
Summer camp website:https://summer.ila.edu.vn/
Fanpage:https://www.facebook.com/ilavn
Address: ILA Head Office – The Crest Residence, Metropole Thu Thiem Urban Area, 15 Tran Bach Dang Street, An Khanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact: 1900 6965

2. TECHNOLOGY – AI – ROBOTICS – CODING SUMMER CAMP

Suitable for children who are interested in computers, robots, AI, coding, or need to turn screen time into guided creative learning activities.

Featured program: TEKY Summer Camp 2026

Organizer: TEKY Academy of Technology and Creativity for Kids
Age group: 7–15 years old
Duration: Depending on each camp. For example, the “Introduction to AI” camp runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, with a total of 40 hours.
Format: Day camp
Program highlights: AI, Robotics, algorithmic thinking, digital products, project-based learning, teamwork, and product presentations.
Summer camp website:https://traihecongnghe.teky.vn/
Fanpage:https://www.facebook.com/TekyAcademy
Address: Southern Office – 152 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact: 1900 3168; support@teky.edu.vn

3. LIFE SKILLS – ACADEMIC – DAY CAMP

Suitable for children who need a structured summer routine that balances learning and play while developing communication, teamwork, and self-care skills.

Featured program: Sylvan Learning – Summer Fantasy 2026

Organizer: Sylvan Learning Vietnam / New Horizon Education Joint Stock Company
Age group: 6–10 years old
Duration: 9 weeks; includes English communication classes 5 sessions per week
Format: Day camp
Program highlights: English, Math, STEM, life skills, outdoor activities, field trips, a 2-day-1-night camping experience, and basic financial thinking through the Sylvan Dollars model.
Website:https://sylvanlearning.edu.vn
Fanpage:https://www.facebook.com/sylvanlearningvietnam
Company address: 5th Floor, Khanh Minh Building, 55 Suong Nguyet Anh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact: 1900 6747

4. MILITARY-STYLE CAMP – DISCIPLINE – INDEPENDENCE

Suitable for children who need to build discipline, physical strength, teamwork, independence, and responsibility in a group living environment.

Note: The military-style camp is only open to students of Vietnamese nationality. 

5. NATURE – SURVIVAL SUMMER CAMP

Suitable for children who need to reduce screen time, spend more time outdoors, become more confident, and connect with nature.

Featured program: Alpha Summer Camp 2026

Organizer: Alpha Camp Academy
Age group: 7–16 years old
Duration: Depending on each journey. For example, the Cat Tien National Park program is announced as a 6-day-5-night journey.
Format: Residential / overnight camp
Program highlights: Experiential learning, SEL, Mindfulness, survival skills, first aid, water safety, nature exploration, physical training, camping skills, hiking, cycling, SUP paddling, and cultural connection with local communities.
Website:https://www.alphacamps.edu.vn
Fanpage:https://www.facebook.com/alphacampacademy
Address: 2nd Floor, 456 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh Street, Thanh My Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact: 0369 564 865; xinchao@alphacamps.edu.vn

ESEARCH’S SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS

If your child needs to improve their English communication reflexes, parents may consider ILA Summer 2026. If your child is interested in AI, robotics, and coding, TEKY may be a suitable choice. If you are looking for a day camp that balances academics and life skills, Sylvan Learning is worth considering. For children who need to develop discipline, physical strength, and independence, the program “Tiep Buoc Hanh Quan – Em Tap Lam Nguoi Chien Si 2026” may be a suitable option. If your child loves nature and outdoor activities, Alpha Summer Camp is a program group worth exploring.

Beyond the program content, Esearch recommends that parents prioritize reputable organizations with experience in running summer camps, clear legal information, transparent contact details, well-trained staff, and specific safety and medical protocols. For camps involving travel, overnight stays, or outdoor activities, parents should carefully check the daily schedule, adult-to-child ratio, emergency response plan, insurance, and refund/cancellation policy before registering.

CONCLUSION

There is no single “best” summer camp for every child. What matters most is understanding what your child needs this summer: more confidence, more independence, more physical activity, or simply new experiences.

Esearch encourages parents to view summer camp as part of a child’s development journey, not merely a place for children to stay during the summer. Before making a decision, choose a program that suits your child and an organizer trustworthy enough for parents to feel secure throughout the summer.

*Esearch is always ready to accompany you in finding the best educational environment for the next generation.

For more details on school programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit:https://esearch.vn/en .

Source: Compiled by Esearch.

Internal Training Session - January 31, 2026: A Collaboration between Esearch and KGIS International & ROB Kids Bilingual Kindergarten Systems

Meaningful Visits to Schools 

Esearch’s "Journey to Spread Positive Values" series has officially concluded for the Year of the Snake, with a meaningful final stop featuring over 200 staff members from Kindy Garden International School and ROB Kids Bilingual Kindergarten systems. This last leg marked more than just the end of the year; it was a space where messages of kindness were shared sincerely and profoundly. For Esearch, each visit is not merely about transferring professional knowledge or skills—it is about the precious moments spent with teachers and school staff to cultivate positive values in education.

Authentic Feedback from Survey Data 

After every training session, the Esearch team carefully analyzes feedback from participants. The comments in our surveys are more than just ratings; they are honest reflections and, at times, the passionate concerns of the staff. This data clearly shows a positive shift in mindset. Instead of viewing their work as a set of mechanical processes, many employees shared that they have rediscovered the meaning of serving students and parents, placing kindness as a core principle in every daily interaction.

Empathy – The Bridge to Collective Unity 

The most striking result from the surveys was the practicality of the training content. Real-world workplace scenarios and communication skills based on sincerity resonated deeply with the participants. Notably, these sessions effectively strengthened internal bonds. Many staff members expressed their emotions, noting that for the first time, they truly understood the roles and pressures faced by other departments. This empathy has helped the collective become more united, moving together toward common goals for the new year.

The Ultimate Goal: For Children to Grow in Love 

Esearch pursues the theme 'Spreading Positive Values' rooted in a core belief: an educational environment only reaches true quality when those within it feel happy and inspired. Beyond just the admissions team or teachers, every individual—from leadership to office staff, security, and logistics—plays a vital role in building trust with parents. Ultimately, our shared goal is to create the best possible conditions for children to grow up surrounded by love. A happy and dedicated team is the solid foundation for nurturing future generations.

Concluding the Year of the Snake, Embarking on New Journeys 

The journey of the Year of the Snake concludes, but it is not an end; it is a beginning for sustainable change. The positive feedback from this final leg is the most meaningful gift for Esearch heading into the New Year. We sincerely thank the schools and our colleagues for accompanying us in writing these beautiful chapters of the past year. We look forward to seeing you again with more smiles and even greater values on our upcoming journey, alongside brilliant successes in the year ahead.

*Esearch is always ready to accompany you in finding the best educational environment for the next generation.

For more details on school programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit:https://esearch.vn/en .

Source: Esearch Team

“Learn early to get ahead” or “Play freely to develop naturally”? - These are questions that have weighed on the minds of thousands of parents- one that Esearch has heard time and again throughout our journey supporting families in school selection.

Many parents hope their children will learn to read and do math early to gain an advantage. On the other hand, many believe that if children are simply allowed to play freely, they will naturally grow into maturity. Yet both perspectives can easily fall into the same common mistake: overlooking the principle of “the right thing at the right time.”

Parenting is like building a house: if the foundation isn’t solid but you rush to add more floors, the house will struggle to withstand storms. So at each age, what is the most important “foundation” that parents should build for their children?

1. AGES 0–3: FROM ATTACHMENT TO INDEPENDENCE

This is the foundational stage, yet also the period of the most intense psychological shifts.

0–18 months (Building trust): What children need most at this time is a sense of safety. Psychologist John Bowlby (1969), through years of research, emphasized that children need an adult as a “secure base.” Only when they feel loved and protected will they have the courage to explore the world.

18–36 months (Asserting the self): According to developmental psychologist Erik Erikson (1950), this is when children begin wanting to separate and do things on their own. Tantrums or the phrase “I can do it myself!” are actually positive signals, showing that autonomy is beginning to take shape.

ESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Encourage choice: Empower within limits. Instead of imposing, allow children to make decisions within a controlled range. For example: “Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the red shirt?”

• Accept imperfection: Be patient with “clumsiness.” Parents can use indirect support rather than doing everything for the child, following the principle: “Child tries first -  parents help after.”For example: let your child feed themselves even if it’s messy, or put on shoes even if they’re on the wrong feet.

• Emotional coaching: Help children recognize and name emotions rather than suppressing “negative” reactions. For example: when your child cries, hug them and ask, “Are you feeling sad/upset?” instead of yelling “Stop crying!”. This is an early lesson in emotional intelligence (EQ).

2. AGES 3–6: SELF-REGULATION AND THINKING

This is a “golden age” for developing the brain’s Executive Functions- the ability to regulate behavior and thinking, according to neuroscientist Adele Diamond (2013). At the same time, psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1978) also emphasized the essential role of purposeful play in developing abstract thinking.

ESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Play that guides thinking: Play to learn how to think. Prioritize role-play or goal-based construction activities to stimulate imagination. For example: instead of watching a phone, invite your child to play pretend (doctor, shopkeeper) or give a challenge like “Build a garage that can fit two cars.”

• Stimulate critical thinking: Use open-ended questions to encourage analysis. For example: “Why did you choose this way?” “What do you think will happen if…?”

• Build patience: Activities that require waiting and turn-taking are excellent for strengthening impulse control. For example: hide-and-seek, rock–paper–scissors, or simply lining up and waiting for a turn.

3. AGES 6–12: PERSEVERANCE AND A GROWTH MINDSET

As children enter primary school, they begin wanting to prove their abilities through tangible outcomes. If they don’t experience the feeling of “I worked hard and I can do it,” they may become insecure. This is a critical time for parents to plant the seeds of a Growth Mindset- a well-known concept by psychologist Carol Dweck- helping children understand that intelligence is not purely inborn, but can be developed through practice and effort.

ESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Acknowledge effort, not “smartness”: Praise effort rather than intelligence so children don’t become afraid of failure. For example: instead of “You’re so smart,” say “I can see how persistent you were in solving this problem”.

• Redefine failure: Teach children that mistakes are a necessary part of learning. For example: if your child gets a low score, review the errors together and make a plan to improve rather than punishing.

• Set long-term goals: Encourage children to pursue small projects that require consistency. For example: saving in a piggy bank to buy something they love, or practicing riding a bicycle over a week.

4. THE ESEARCH VIEW: CHOOSING A SCHOOL IS CHOOSING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT “NURTURES” CAPABILITIES

Once parents understand their child’s developmental pathway, school visits should go beyond checking facilities. Esearch suggests parents observe small details that reflect a school’s educational philosophy:

For Preschool (0–6): Observe “HOW CHILDREN ARE EMPOWERED”

• When a child cries: Does the teacher try to stop the crying immediately, or do they patiently sit down and help the child name their emotions?

• Independence: During meals and nap time, are children encouraged to do age-appropriate tasks, or do adults do everything for them?

For Primary School (6–12): Look for a “CULTURE THAT NORMALIZES MISTAKES”

• Assessment approach: Does the school recognize progress (process), or is pressure focused only on end-of-term scores?

• The right to be wrong: When a child makes a mistake, do teachers punish or guide the child to analyze and try again?

• SEL program: Does the school offer Social and Emotional Learning lessons to equip children with “soft skills”?

These questions help parents identify which schools truly care about children’s mental wellbeing and inner strength.

CONCLUSION

At Esearch, we believe that parenting and finding the right school does not have to be a stressful race. Amid the flood of information, parents can feel more grounded with this core formula:

Ages 0–3: Build Safety & Independence
Ages 3–6: Nurture Self-Regulation & Thinking
Ages 6–12: Strengthen Perseverance & Resilience

When parents understand and respect a child’s natural developmental rhythm, they can let go of the pressure to “force-ripen” their child. A strong inner foundation is the best preparation for children to step confidently into the future.

Esearch hopes this article offers greater clarity and supports parents in making the best educational choices for their children.

*Esearch is always ready to accompany you in finding the best educational environment for the next generation.

For more details on school programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit:https://esearch.vn/en .

Note: This article is compiled by Esearch from foundational child-development research and insights distilled from our work supporting parents in selecting the right learning environment. It is for reference only. Every child develops at their own pace; parents should adjust flexibly based on their child’s unique characteristics.

References: Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss. Basic Books | Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135–168 | Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House | Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. W. W. Norton & Company | Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society. Harvard University Press | Wood, D., et al. (1976). Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(2), 89–100.

Source: Esearch Insight

In the context of early childhood education in Vietnam becoming increasingly diverse in terms of teaching methods and curricula, parents are no longer faced only with the question of “Which school is good?” but must also consider more deeply, “Which approach is right for my child?”. Alongside familiar models such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or bilingual and integrated international programs, HighScope has gradually emerged as a fresh option—one that is grounded in solid research and offers strong practical applicability.

Through research, synthesis, and close collaboration with many families on their school-selection journeys, Esearch has observed that HighScope is not an approach focused on early academic training or achievement-driven outcomes. Rather, it is an educational approach that emphasizes children’s experiences, thinking skills, and autonomy from the very early years. Although it is not yet widely adopted in Vietnam, HighScope is gaining increasing attention thanks to its well-established research foundation and real-world applicability. This article aims to help parents gain a clearer understanding of the HighScope educational model—its core philosophy, classroom practices, the values it brings to children, and its current context of implementation in Vietnam.

HighScope as a Child-Centered Approach

The HighScope approach was developed in the United States in the 1960s and is designed for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early primary-age children. It is grounded in the core belief that:

“Children learn best when they are actively involved in their own learning.”

Within The HighScope Curriculum, children are encouraged to:

• Make choices about their learning activities

• Learn through hands-on, sensory, and emotional experiences

• Construct knowledge through play, exploration, and social interaction

Teachers in HighScope classrooms do not function as traditional instructors. Instead, they serve as partners in learning, supporting children through intentional observation, open-ended questioning, and positive adult–child interactions.

The Core Learning Process: Plan–Do–Review

A defining feature of The HighScope Curriculum is the Plan–Do–Review sequence, which provides a consistent structure for active learning throughout the day:

• Plan: Children express their intentions and make choices about the activities they plan to engage in.

• Do: Children carry out their plans through active exploration, experimentation, and hands-on learning.

• Review: Children reflect on their experiences with teachers, sharing ideas, feelings, and outcomes.

This sequence supports the development of thinking skills, language development, independence, and responsibility, while also helping children build reflective thinking from an early age.

Developmental Benefits of the HighScope Approach

Rather than focusing on early academic outcomes, The HighScope Curriculum is designed to support children’s long-term development by strengthening key areas such as:

• Independent thinking and problem-solving

• Communication and emotional expression

• Cooperation and social competence

• Confidence and readiness for future learning stages

These foundational competencies are essential for children’s success not only in school, but throughout their lives.

The HighScope Approach in the Context of Education in Vietnam

In Vietnam, many families are familiar with educational approaches that emphasize early knowledge acquisition and academic preparation. However, experience has shown that some children may struggle with independence, communication, or self-expression when early learning is overly academic.

By respecting each child’s natural developmental pace, the HighScope approach offers an alternative perspective—one that values active learning, emotional development, social skills, and meaningful experiences alongside cognitive growth. When implemented flexibly and adapted to Vietnamese cultural and family contexts, The HighScope Curriculum can serve as a valuable option for early childhood education.

Early Childhood Schools Applying the HighScope Approach in Vietnam

🏫 Little People Kindergarten

Little People Kindergarten is one of the early childhood education systems in Vietnam that integrates The HighScope Curriculum based on U.S. standards. The program is designed to fully implement the principles of active learning, experiential learning, and reflection, serving children from infant and toddler age (under 36 months) to preschool (ages 3–5).
In addition, Little People combines the HighScope approach with complementary programs such as STEAM and pre-primary preparation, supporting children’s smooth transition into formal schooling.

🏫 Kidzone Bilingual Preschool

Kidzone Bilingual Preschool in Ho Chi Minh City applies The HighScope Curriculum for children aged 6 months to 5 years. The school offers multiple learning tracks—including standard, bilingual, and international programs—delivered by both Vietnamese and international educators, while maintaining the core principles of the HighScope approach.

🏫 Sakura Schools

In 2025, Sakura Schools introduced a curriculum applying The HighScope Curriculum in Vietnam, becoming the first early childhood education system in the country to implement both the Montessori approach and the HighScope approach in parallel. Alongside Montessori education, the HighScope approach plays a strategic role in Sakura Schools’ educational framework, expanding access to experiential learning and demonstrating the school’s commitment to educational innovation and community contribution.

CONCLUSION

HighScope is not a “one-size-fits-all” educational formula. Rather, it is a model well suited to families who value a child’s natural developmental process, independence, and independent thinking from the early childhood years. When implemented in line with its core philosophy and adapted flexibly to Vietnam’s cultural and family context, HighScope can become a solid foundation for children to develop long-term learning skills and life skills.

At Esearch, we believe that choosing a school and an educational approach should not be driven by trends or isolated marketing messages. Instead, it should be grounded in a deep understanding of the child, family values, and the actual quality of implementation at each educational institution. By providing transparent information, multi-dimensional comparisons, and regularly updated insights, Esearch aims to accompany parents in making educational decisions that are appropriate, sustainable, and beneficial to children’s holistic development in the long run.

* Esearch is always ready to accompany you on the journey of finding the best educational environment for the next generation.

For more details on school programs, facilities, and admissions, please visit:https://esearch.vn/en.

Source: Compiled by Esearch