This dissertation explores strengths-based approaches to literacy development with social-emotional assets. A mixed-methods study was used to conceptualize, design, and investigate the practical need for an instrument kindergarten through second-grade teachers could use to identify students' social-emotional assets for literacy independence in strengths-based approaches. The Delphi method with experts, a quantitative methodology, was conducted. Focus groups with teachers were used to gather qualitative data for thematic analysis. The study sought to determine the social-emotional assets necessary for literacy development according to a panel of experts, teachers' descriptions about the connection between literacy and social-emotional development, and teachers' perceived needs for a strengths-based approach to literacy development. The study yielded a prototype instrument for cataloging kindergarten through second-grade students' social-emotional assets for literacy development, captured teacher needs for strengths-based literacy development approaches, and revealed teachers' descriptions of the connections between literacy and social-emotional assets. The prototype instrument includes items aligned with the following social-emotional assets deemed necessary for early literacy development: attention sustainment, communication skills, curiosity, emotional regulation, engagement, flexibility, self-confidence, and self-management. A thematic analysis of teachers' needs and descriptions found that teachers recognize many factors that support strengths-based approaches, use strengths-based literacy development practices, perceive a need for strengths-based instruments, and illustrate social-emotional assets according to how students present them. The research provided insights on the social-emotional assets necessary for literacy development from multiple perspectives as well as teacher needs and descriptions for strengths-based approaches. The insights support future development of strengths-based approaches for literacy development with social-emotional assets. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]