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Professional Standards & Competencies Resource Library

The Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators outline the essential knowledge, skills, and practices that are foundational to high-quality early childhood education. These standards define what early childhood educators should know and be able to do in order to support the learning and development of young children from birth through age 8. They serve as a guiding framework for professional development, practice, and evaluation within the field of early childhood education.

Understanding and implementing these standards is crucial for educators as they help ensure the delivery of equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education that promotes the well-being and success of all children. By adhering to these standards, educators also contribute to the profession's commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.

Please note that while the collection of resources has been organized and tagged according to the Professional Standards and Competencies, only the most applicable competencies have been prioritized for searching and tagging purposes.

For NAEYC resources in the library, you can find policies related to reproducing, distributing, or otherwise using content here. For all other resources, please follow appropriate practices for using/citing sources.

Directions for Using the Professional Standards and Competencies Resource Library

  • The PS&Cs Resource Library allows you to peruse ALL of the many resources available (by default) or you can utilize the provided filter and narrow down your search to target specific resources.

  • By using the filtering categories, you are able to narrow your search to particular professional standards, one or more of the 22 key competencies, various ECE topics, a variety of age ranges, specific types of resources such as articles or videos or even find resources available in languages other than English.

    The robust filters even allow you to choose multiple choices across categories or within the same category to further narrow your search!

  • Once you have opened the various filter categories provided in the filter tool, you will notice that “all” is highlighted and checked in each category by default. This means the filter tool will not filter out any of those options within that category. If you wish to narrow your search, you simply click on one or more of the other options within the various filtering categories. Clicking will check that option. Checked options will be utilized for your search!

    To remove an option, simply click it again to remove the check from the checkbox.

  • The search feature is similar to any other search engine on a website. It can be used for a specific key word or phrase. Although the search may be helpful and is provided, the more robust filter tool may ultimately be more helpful in focusing and narrowing your search for resources.

  • Naturally, broken links will occur. Sometimes the resource has been moved to a new web address and other times it has been temporarily or permanently removed. We welcome you to report any broken links you find here. We will do our best to replace the link when possible or remove the resource if it is no longer available.

    **As of Feb. 2025, certain webpages and resources, particularly from agencies/organizations/projects that receive federal funds, have been at least temporarily removed in order to comply with federal mandates related to the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders. We will continue to monitor these resource links and update them if and when new links are available.

Start Your Search--Resource Library

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Start Your Search--Resource Library *

Sort quickly through the hundreds of available resources by using the filter tool on the left to populate the specific resources you need!

Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Universal Design for Learning Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Universal Design for Learning Kadisha Conteh

Universal Design for Learning: Designing Learning Experiences That Engage and Challenge All Students

Universal Design for Learning: Designing Learning Experiences That Engage and Challenge All Students

This module examines the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and discusses how educators can apply UDL to proactively design learning experiences that are flexible enough to challenge and engage all students and that promote learner agency (est. completion time: 2.5 hours).

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Behavior Management Case Study

Early Childhood Behavior Management Case Study

This Case Study includes information on how to create developmentally and culturally appropriate classroom rules and how to effectively teach them. It also explores how to encourage appropriate behavior, address challenging behavior, and partner with families to address behavioral issues.

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

Dual Language Learners with Disabilities Module

Dual Language Learners with Disabilities Module

This module offers an overview of young children who are dual language learners. Further, it highlights the importance of maintaining children and families’ home language at the same time they are learning a new or second language, discusses considerations for screening and assessing these children, and identifies strategies for supporting them in inclusive preschool classrooms (est. completion time: 1.5 hours).

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

Behavior Management Module

Behavior Management Module

This module, a DEC-recommended resource, includes information on how to create developmentally appropriate behavior rules for early childhood classrooms so that they link to a given school's behavior expectations. The importance of communication with families about rules and expected behaviors is also stressed (est. completion time: 2 hours).

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms Module 

Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms Module 

This multi-media module offers information on how to set up effective inclusive early childhood classroom environments for young children. It also provides details about the interrelated physical, social, and temporal components of those environments, as well as adaptations to help teachers meet the needs of children with disabilities (est. completion time: 1 hour).

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CONNECT Module 7: Tiered Instruction

CONNECT Module 7: Tiered Instruction

These modules are designed for faculty and professional development providers to use in their professional development. Instructor Guides, in the form of dashboards, are included. Students learn about how tiered instruction can be used to enhance learning and development in young children enrolled in early childhood centers and programs.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CONNECT Module 5: Assistive Technology 

CONNECT Module 5: Assistive Technology 

These modules are designed for faculty and professional development providers to use in their professional development. Instructor Guides, in the form of dashboards, are included. Students learn about the purpose, use and potential benefits of assistive technology interventions when working with young children.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CONNECT Module 1: Embedded Interventions

CONNECT Module 1: Embedded Interventions

These modules are designed for faculty and professional development providers to use in their professional development. Instructor Guides, in the form of dashboards, are included. Students learn about the practice of embedded interventions to help children participate in a variety of early learning opportunities and environments promoting high quality inclusion.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CARA’s Kit Online: Self-Guided Module -Creating Adaptations for Routines and Activities

CARA’s Kit Online: Self-Guided Module -Creating Adaptations for Routines and Activities

Access this learning module to explore each topic of CARA’s Kit, from the introduction to the process to example adaptations.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 6: Instruction

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 6: Instruction

In this module you will learn effective instructional practices and why intentional and systematic instruction is crucial for children with disabilities.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 4: Teaming and Collaboration

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 4: Teaming and Collaboration

In this module you will learn the components of teaming and collaboration and why teaming and collaboration amongst practitioners and families is crucial for children with disabilities.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 3: Environment

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 3: Environment

In this module you will learn the components of a child’s natural and inclusive environment and why attending to the environment is crucial for children with disabilities.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 3, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Observation and Documentation, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices Kadisha Conteh Standard 3, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Observation and Documentation, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 1: Interaction

Early Childhood Recommended Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 1: Interaction

This module will help you learn to support children’s learning and development through quality adult-child and child-child interactions.  Lesson 1 provides a summary of the research on interaction by Dr. Jeanette McCollum.  In lessons 2 and 3, nonverbal and verbal cues, behaviors and interests of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will be described. You will learn how observing children's behavior is critical in helping you interpret and provide responsive interaction with children. You will also practice using observation of a child's behavior to identify and interpret the child's interests, abilities, and emotions by watching and thinking about several video illustrations. Lesson 4 shares “Voices from the Field”, where practitioners and family leaders share their expertise and perspectives on interaction.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 3, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Early Intervention, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 3, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Early Intervention, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 7: Assessment

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 7: Assessment

In this module, you will learn effective assessment practices and why assessment is crucial for children with disabilities.

Organization/Author:   Early Childhood Recommended Practices Module

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 3, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Early Intervention, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 3, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Early Intervention, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 2: Transition

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 2: Transition

This module will help you support the transitions of children with disabilities and their families between and among services, supports, and programs.

Organization/Author:   Early Childhood Recommended Practices Module

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 3, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Observation and Documentation Kadisha Conteh Standard 3, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Observation and Documentation Kadisha Conteh

Recommended Practice Module 7: Assessment

Recommended Practice Module 7: Assessment

This free, online module offers content related to supporting children’s learning and development through quality adult-child and child-child interactions. Module 7 explores effective assessment practices.  A companion Learning Guide provides additional resources for faculty and professional development providers to use in addressing the content of the module.

Organization/Author:  Early Childhood Recommended Practices 

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: 2023

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Standard 3, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Observation and Documentation, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 3, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Observation and Documentation, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

DEC Recommended Practices Module: Assessment 

DEC Recommended Practices Module: Assessment 

Completion of this module will enable you to: 1) explain what assessment practices are, and describe how they support children’s short-term and long-term goals; and 2) describe key assessment principles to make optimal data-driven decisions related to intervention practices. The module introduces and illustrates the practices grouped in the assessment topic area in the DEC Recommended Practices. The DEC Recommended Practices were developed to provide guidance about the most effective ways to improve the learning outcomes and promote the development of young children, birth through five years of age, who have or are at-risk for developmental delays or disabilities.

Organization/Author:  Early Childhood Recommended Practices Module

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators