University City Children’s Center is rare among St. Louis preschools: It is racially and economically diverse. Considered a pioneer in early childhood education, the school is experimenting with an evidence-based approach that emphasizes the social and emotional development of young children. A growing body of research has linked this educational process—called SEL or Social and Emotional Learning— with long-term academic and life success.

In her feature article, columnist Aisha Sultan takes readers inside this innovative preschool. Readers witness many of the challenges educators face in trying to address the harsh realities of educational inequity—and to give kids who have suffered emotional and physical trauma the best early childhood education they deserve and need.

Sultan’s story was originally published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on August 1, 2015.