Clinician-Facilitated Early Emotional Explorers Program for Ages 5–6

Early Emotional Explorers Program (Ages 5–6)

Clinician-Facilitated • HIPAA-Compliant • New York State Residents Only

$60/session – donations are welcome and encouraged for families in need.

100% virtual until further notice

Grounded Stars proudly introduces the Early Emotional Explorers Program, a gentle, developmentally attuned therapy group created especially for children ages 5–6. This nurturing and engaging experience brings together the best components of our Early Emotional Explorers Group and Little Voices Healing Circle to create a dynamic, emotionally safe environment that supports early social-emotional development.

This program serves as a soft landing into the world of group therapy and mental wellness for young participants. Through storytelling, expressive art, playful movement, and sensory-informed tools, children begin learning the foundational skills they’ll need to grow into emotionally resilient, communicative, and confident individuals.

Led by licensed clinicians with expertise in early childhood development, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care, each session is designed to meet children exactly where they are, honoring their emotions, creativity, and emerging sense of identity. With a focus on fun, safety, and gentle structure, every group is a chance for children to feel heard, seen, and supported.

🌱 Group Goals

• Build a strong foundation for emotional language: recognizing and naming feelings such as happy, sad, angry, tired, and excited
• Support self-expression through multiple modalities including art, music, play, and storytelling
• Model and practice how to recognize emotions in others and respond with empathy
• Introduce early social skills like cooperation, sharing, taking turns, asking for help, and respecting space
• Create a routine-rich, predictable group space that fosters emotional safety, group trust, and self-confidence
• Reduce emotional overwhelm by strengthening coping and calming strategies in the context of play

🎨 Activities Include:

• Guided storytelling using emotion-based picture books and interactive visuals
• Drawing and painting feelings through themed art prompts
• Movement-based games that allow children to physically release energy and reset emotions
• Role-play with puppets and therapeutic play kits that simulate real-life feelings and situations
• Use of calming tools such as breathing bubbles, emotion dice, glitter jars, and textured items
• Creative transitions that include songs, check-in rituals, and visual schedules to support emotional regulation

🗓️ Weekly Schedule

Ages 5–6:

Group 1: Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00–10:00 AM EST

Group 2: Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30–11:30 AM EST

Each group meets twice weekly for 60 minutes in a warm, virtual setting. Groups are age-specific and closed once a cohort begins to maintain consistency and trust. Families will also receive access to 24/7 caregiver communication, progress snapshots, and optional parent coaching support.

🧸 Who This Is For

The Early Emotional Explorers Program is thoughtfully designed for:

• Young children who are beginning to explore emotions and need help naming or expressing them
• Families navigating transitions such as school entry, family separation, grief, or new environments
• Children who display big reactions, sensory sensitivity, or anxiety in new situations
• Kids who are curious, expressive, shy, withdrawn, imaginative—or anywhere in between!
• Families seeking an affirming first experience with group support in a safe, playful space

Our program emphasizes cultural sensitivity and recognizes the layered experiences of children of color navigating the world. Every session is designed with trauma awareness, identity safety, and joy-centered healing in mind.

To register or learn more, visit www.groundedstars.com or contact kierra@groundedstars.com. Limited spots are available for each cohort. Early registration is encouraged!