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

Strategies to Increase Vocabulary in Young Children Webinar

Strategies to Increase Vocabulary in Young Children Webinar
This edWebinar identifies the most effective strategies for teaching vocabulary based on the research documented in the article “Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel” (2008) and supported by the book Early Childhood Literacy: The National Early Literacy Panel and Beyond (Shanahan & Lonigan, 2012). Viewers explore myths of vocabulary instruction and expand their knowledge of research-based practices, including tiered vocabulary instruction. Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Claudia Castillo-Magallanez, edWeb Webinar

Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2024

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A Multimodal Approach to Early Literacy with Fun Foundations Webinar

A Multimodal Approach to Early Literacy with Fun Foundations Webinar
This is an enriching edWebinar that explores an evidence-based approach to literacy instruction, integrating multiple modalities for optimal learning outcomes. Our expert presenters guide you through a dynamic and blended methodology designed to seamlessly infuse the Science of Reading into developmentally appropriate early learning experiences. Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Joy Allcock and Meghann Hickey, edWeb Webinar

Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2023

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3 Simple Approaches to Differentiate Phonics Instruction in Any K-2 Classroom Webinar

3 Simple Approaches to Differentiate Phonics Instruction in Any K-2 Classroom Webinar
In this edWebinar, the presenters share how and why differentiated phonics instruction helps students move ahead more quickly in their reading and writing. They cover three different models for making differentiation practical and easy. Teachers walk away with a clear roadmap for assessing students’ needs, choosing or creating differentiated materials, and finding time for targeted, needs-based phonics practice. All viewers get access to a diagnostic phonics assessment to help them put into practice the concepts covered during the edWebinar. Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Alison Ryan and Ingrid Davis, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2022

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A Guide to Book Adaptations

A Guide to Book Adaptations

Find examples of adaptations based on functional needs/skills that can be used before or during dialogic reading and other shared book reading experiences. The related blog post includes additional information such as an introduction to dialogic reading including a tip sheet, and a video demonstration of dialogic reading using an augmentative communication device.

Organization/Author: STEMIE: Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education
Type of Resource: Toolkit

Publication Date: 2023

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Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for 3-5 Years

Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for 3-5 Years

Explore best practices in early education of children ages 3 to 5 years. These twelve engaging, content-rich, video-based trainings are organized by topic. Take the online 45-minute self-paced version, or download the Facilitator’s Guide to lead family child-care and center-based educators in a 1.5–2 hour training. Topics include:

  • Creating the Learning Environment

  • Engaging Children in Meaningful Conversation

  • Integrating Media and Technology into Curriculum

  • Engaging Children in Math

  • Providing Developmentally Appropriate Learning

  • Individualizing Instruction

  • Honoring Diversity

  • Getting Families Involved

  • Building a Community of Readers and Writers

  • Leading Children in Hands-on Exploration

  • Engaging Children in STEM

  • Having Fun with Phonemic Awareness

Organization/Author: Massachusetts Department of Early Education (EEC)

Type of Resource: Trainings

Publication Date: Unknown

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NAEYC Resources about Literacy

NAEYC Resources about Literacy

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC that include topics such as Developmentally Appropriate Approaches to Literacy and Literacy-related resources to share with families.

Organization/Author: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Type of Resource: Articles

Publication Date: Various

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Literacy Leadership Brief: What Effective Pre-K Literacy Looks Like

Literacy Leadership Brief: What Effective Pre-K Literacy Looks Like


A literacy leadership brief that outlines strategies for building literacy skills in the early years and policy recommendations for early literacy achievement.

Organization/Author: International Literacy Association
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2018

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Position Statement and Research Brief: Phonological Awareness in Early Childhood Literacy Development

Position Statement and Research Brief: Phonological Awareness in Early Childhood Literacy Development


The International Literacy Association outlines how phonological awareness develops, why it is important, and guidelines for practitioners

Organization/Author: International Literacy Association
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2019

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Rocking and Rolling. Reading with Babies Matters!

Rocking and Rolling. Reading with Babies Matters!

Rocking and Rolling, edited by Rebecca Parlakian and her colleagues from ZERO to THREE, focuses on supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. Each column offers instructional insights and suggestions that are grounded in research yet presented through real-life examples.

Organization/Author: Kathy Kinsner and Rebecca Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC 
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Rocking and Rolling. Reading Aloud with Infants and Toddlers

Rocking and Rolling. Reading Aloud with Infants and Toddlers

Rocking and Rolling, edited by Rebecca Parlakian and her colleagues from ZERO to THREE, focuses on supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. Each column offers instructional insights and suggestions that are grounded in research yet presented through real-life examples.

Organization/Author: Kathy Kinsner and Rebecca Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC 
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2021

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Emergent Writing

Emergent Writing

In this 15-minute In-service Suite, learn about the writing process. Explore the developmental progression of writing and discover ways adults can support children's emergent writing skills and explorations in the learning environment.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
Type of Resource: Training

Publication Date: 2024

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Early Childhood: Birth to Five Learning Modules

Early Childhood: Birth to Five Learning Modules

The Early Childhood (EC) Series presents six online self-paced modules that are geared towards early childhood educators, and other related professionals (e.g., developmental specialists, faculty, parents, and caregivers) who seek to further their knowledge on how to best support diverse young children (0-5 years) in a variety of settings. In this series, participants will discover evidence-based practices for helping young children develop literacy and language learning with opportunities to reflect on their instructional practices and explore additional ways to incorporate them into their EC settings.

Organization/Author: All Ohio Literacy Library
Type of Resource: Training

Publication Date: Various

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Inclusion: Learning Through Books

Inclusion: Learning Through Books

Check out this series for ways to use children's books to teach about inclusion in your learning environment, or in a child's home.

Organization/Author: Head Start Center for Inclusion
Type of Resource: Website

Publication Date: Unknown

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Rocking and Rolling. Reading Aloud with Infants and Toddlers

Rocking and Rolling. Reading Aloud with Infants and Toddlers

Rocking and Rolling, edited by Rebecca Parlakian and her colleagues from ZERO to THREE, focuses on supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. Each column offers instructional insights and suggestions that are grounded in research yet presented through real-life examples.

Organization/Author: Kathy Kisner & Rebecca Palakian, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2021

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Rocking and Rolling- Reading with Babies Matters!

Rocking and Rolling. Reading with Babies Matters!

Rocking and Rolling, edited by Rebecca Parlakian and her colleagues from ZERO to THREE, focuses on supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. Each column offers instructional insights and suggestions that are grounded in research yet presented through real-life examples.

Organization/Author: Kathy Kinsner and Rebecca Palakian,Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Supporting Early Literacy: Fostering Family Involvement

Supporting Early Literacy: Fostering Family Involvement

Explore this training to discover strategies for boosting early literacy development through family engagement. Materials include a video presentation and handouts.

Organization/Author: Head Start Center for Inclusion

Type of Resource: Website

Publication Date: unknown

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A How To Guide for Book Adaptations

A How To Guide for Book Adaptations

This chart outlines 8 easy at-home storybook adaptations, categorized by the type of support families/practitioners may provide (motor, sensory, communicative/linguistic, visual, or auditory).

Organization/Author:  Sarah Pedonti

STEMIE Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education

Type of Resource: Toolkit

Publication Date: 2023

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A Guide to Dialogic Reading (Using The Very Hungry Caterpillar)

A Guide to Dialogic Reading (Using The Very Hungry Caterpillar)

Learn about dialogic reading and how you can use it to have storybook conversations in STEM with young children. The tip sheet includes an example of prompts that you can use for Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The related blog post includes additional information such as a link to the adaptations tip sheet and a video example of dialogic reading using an augmentative communication device.

Organization/Author:  Chih-Ing Lim

STEMIE Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education

Type of Resource: Toolkit

Publication Date: 2023

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OER Textbook: Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education

OER Textbook: Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education

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 describes how to develop curriculum for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Multiple content areas are addressed. 

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


Organization/Author:  Kristin Beeve 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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CONNECT Module 6: Dialogic Reading Practices

CONNECT Module 6: Dialogic Reading Practices

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 dialogic reading practices when working with young children.

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

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