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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

Check out the resource library tutorial here!

  • 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.

    Check out the resource library tutorial for more info.

  • 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.

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

Resource Type: Position Statement, Topic: Advocacy, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Ethical and Professional Guidelines, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Standard 5, Standard 6 Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Position Statement, Topic: Advocacy, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Ethical and Professional Guidelines, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Standard 5, Standard 6 Kadisha Conteh

Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators Position Statement (full document & related resources)

Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators | NAEYC

Along with core knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions, early childhood educators who work in homes, centers, and schools have professional, ethical responsibilities. The “Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators” outlines the essential ethical responsibilities for the early childhood education profession. It speaks to a set of professional ethics—the moral responsibilities that go beyond personal beliefs—that guide ECE workplace decision making and behavior. This link access the full position statement along with other related code of ethics resources and supplements. (Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese)

Organization/Author: NAEYC

Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2025

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Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh

Family Literacy at Home: Videos in English and Spanish

https://go.colorincolorado.org/family-literacy-home-videos-english-and-spanish

All families can help their children become readers! These videos offer practical tips for all families on how to support reading at home. These videos are available in English and Spanish and feature early literacy expert Bernadette Pilar Zermeño.

Organization/Author: Bernadette Pilar Zermeño, Colorin colorado!

Type of Resource: Videos

Publication Date: 2025

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Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Simulation: Boosting School Readiness Through Effective Family Engagement Series

https://headstart.gov/family-engagement/article/parent-family-community-engagement-simulation-boosting-school-readiness-through-effective-family?redirect=eclkc

These four training simulations are designed to provide students with immersive, practice-based opportunities to master the complexities of family engagement and professional collaboration. Simulation 1 allows students to practice building bonds with families, beginning with an intake visit. Simulation 2 explores the process of developing and implementing goals with families.  Simulation 3 explores using strengths-based attitudes to partner with families during challenging times.   Simulation 4 allows students to practice using collaborative strategies to partner with families during conversations about developmental concerns.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)

Type of Resource: Training (Simulations)

Publication Date: Last updated Dec. 2025

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh

Message in a Backpack™. Strategies Families Can Use for Dealing with Stress

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/eyc/summer2025/message-in-a-backpack

This "Message in a Backpack™" article provides practical guidance for families on managing stress to support both adult well-being and child development.

Organization/Author: Ingrid Anderson, Educating Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2025

Topic of issue of EYC: Educator Well-Being: Supports Across the Early Childhood Ecosystem

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmental Theories, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmental Theories, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh

Innovations in Higher Education. Decolonization Is Not a Buzz Word: (Re)Envisioning Early Childhood Teacher Education Through Curriculum Design

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/decolonization-in-ece

In this article, the author explores the redesign of Erikson Institute’s teacher licensure program to challenge white-dominant narratives and address systemic inequities in early childhood education. It details how decolonizing pedagogies, such as land education and reflective identity assignments, are used to prepare educators to foster inclusive, just learning environments.

Organization/Author: Meghan L. Green, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Self-Regulation and Executive Function: Responsive and Informed Practices for Early Childhood

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

From the Pages of TYC. Partnering with Families to Support Young Children’s Social and Emotional Development Through Picture Books

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/partnering-with-families

This article explores how educators can partner with families to use picture books as primary tools for nurturing social-emotional skills like empathy, self-regulation, and perseverance. It suggests that by providing lending libraries with discussion guides and hosting interactive literacy workshops, teachers help families navigate challenging topics while strengthening the parent-child bond.

Organization/Author: Alison Hooper, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Self-Regulation and Executive Function: Responsive and Informed Practices for Early Childhood

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Using Materials Creatively to Enhance Toddler Learning Environments

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/fall2024/rocking-and-rolling

This article highlights how educators boost toddler engagement by following children’s interests and using "loose parts"—low-cost, open-ended materials like nature finds and repurposed household items. It suggests that replacing expensive, single-use toys with versatile, family-donated materials fosters deeper problem-solving and agency while creating a sustainable learning space that is culturally reflective of a child’s home.

Organization/Author: Erin Skaggs and Janelle Jamero, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Fall 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Informed and Guided by Context: Strengths-Based Teaching and Learning

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh

Engaging Families of Multilingual Learners: Using Families’ Stories to Link Classroom Content with Children’s Funds of Knowledge

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/fall2024/engaging-multilingual-learner-families

This article explores how educators can use simple technology, like QR codes and tablets, to bring families' "funds of knowledge" and home languages directly into the classroom curriculum. It suggests that by having families record and share personal stories related to class themes, teachers create a more inclusive environment that values a child's heritage and strengthens their language development. This approach fosters a deeper, reciprocal partnership between home and school while making learning more meaningful and engaging for multilingual learners.

Organization/Author: Alexandra Figueras-Daniels and Bernice Vasquez, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Fall 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Informed and Guided by Context: Strengths-Based Teaching and Learning

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

A Broader Concept of Family: Strategies for Welcoming Foster Families into Early Childhood Settings

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/winter2024/welcoming-foster-families

This article explores how teachers can better support children in foster care by building strong, respectful partnerships with their foster parents. It suggests moving away from traditional labels like "mom and dad" or rigid assignments like "family trees" in favor of more inclusive language and activities that welcome all types of caregivers. By focusing on open communication and honoring the unique roles of everyone involved, educators can create a stable and caring environment where every child feels they belong.

Organization/Author: Danielle Dushane and Ysaaca Axelrod, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Winter 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Creating and Supporting High-Quality Early Learning Programs

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Standard 1, Standard 2, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners Kadisha Conteh

Message in a Backpack™. Benefits When Families Speak Their Home Languages

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/message-backpack-speak-their-home-languages

Also available in Spanish: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/message-backpacktm-los-beneficios-de-hablar


This article is a resource written specifically for families to explain why speaking their native language at home is so beneficial for their children. It suggests that using a home language doesn't slow down English learning, but instead builds a child's brain power, strengthens family bonds, and creates a proud sense of cultural identity. By sharing stories and songs in their own language, parents provide a "secret ingredient" that helps their children succeed both at home and in school.

Organization/Author: Rica Ramirez, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of TYC: Nurturing Multilingual Learners in Preschool

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Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

Six Ways Educators Can Honor Home Languages

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/educators-can-honor-home-languages
This article explores practical ways educators can value and incorporate children's home languages into the classroom, even if the teachers are monolingual English speakers. It suggests that by engaging families, using multilingual greetings, and affirming home languages during play, educators create a more inclusive environment that strengthens a child's cultural identity. These strategies help build a caring community where diverse linguistic backgrounds are recognized as valuable assets to learning.

Organization/Author: Angele Sancho Passe, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of TYC: Nurturing Multilingual Learners in Preschool

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh

Culture and Children’s Challenging Behavior Webinar

Culture and Children’s Challenging Behavior Webinar

Social emotional development and learning expert Barbara Kaiser explores the dynamics of culture in shaping teachers’ expectations and children’s behavior.

Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Barbara Kaiser, Ph.D. Early Childhood Investigations 
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Culturally Responsive Teaching in Early Childhood Education

Culturally Responsive Teaching in Early Childhood Education

This article explores four ways to validate and affirm young students’ cultures in meaningful ways, which can boost their engagement and motivation.

Organization/Author: Amanda Armstrong, Edutopia 
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2020

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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 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh

Early Care and Education Environment Indicators and Elements of High-Quality Inclusion

Early Care and Education Environment Indicators and Elements of High-Quality Inclusion

There are 4 sets of Indicators of High Quality Inclusion (state, community, local program, and environments levels). This is the set for early care and education environments.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)

Type of Resource: Report

Publication Date: 2023

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER) Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER) Kadisha Conteh

OER Textbook: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

OER Textbook: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching and learning materials that you may freely use and reuse at no cost, and without needing to ask permission. 

This OER textbook includes 8 chapters that provide an overview of the history of the field of early childhood education, developmental theories, and the profession. In addition, observation, assessment, developmental ages and stages, curriculum basics, environments, and partnering with families are explored. 

Click here to learn more about the OER Collection from College of the Canyons.

Organization/Author: Cindy Stephens, Gina Peterson, Sharon Eyrich, and Jennifer Paris, College of the Canyons OER Collection

Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Educational Resource (OER)

Publication Date: 2020

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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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