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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: Webinar, Topic: Play, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Standard 5 Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Play, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Standard 5 Kadisha Conteh

Support Preschoolers’ Executive Function and Self-Regulation Skills with Music Webinar

Support Preschoolers’ Executive Function and Self-Regulation Skills with Music Webinar
In this edWebinar, explore the many ways in which developmentally appropriate, participatory, and enjoyable music and movement activities can naturally support young children’s development of important self-regulation and executive function skills, including attention control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibitory control. Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Dr. Eliza Braden, and Dr. Sanjuana Rodriguez, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2023

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

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

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

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: Erin Skaggs and Janelle Jamero, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2024

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Training, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Training, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering Kadisha Conteh

STEAM: 15-minute In-service Suite

STEAM: 15-minute In-service Suite

Explore strategies for engaging children’s natural curiosity about STEAM topics and skills in group learning settings, as well as in the home.

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

Type of Resource: Training

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh

Teacher Time Series: Preschool STEAM

Teacher Time Series: Preschool STEAM

In these episodes, explore how to support STEAM learning for preschoolers. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Find an overview of each STEM component and tips for using art to help children explore these concepts and skills. Learn about strategies and teaching practices to help preschoolers develop reasoning, creativity, problem-solving, and language and communication skills.

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

Type of Resource: Webinars

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh

Teacher Time Series: Infant/Toddler STEAM

Teacher Time Series: Infant/Toddler STEAM

View these episodes to explore ways to support STEAM learning for infants and toddlers. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math. In each episode, find an overview of the STEM components and tips for using art to help children explore concepts and skills. Discover strategies and teaching practices to help infants and toddlers develop reasoning, creativity, problem solving, and language and communication skills.

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

Type of Resource: Webinars

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Inclusion, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Inclusion, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) for Everyone

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) for Everyone

Discover ways to support young children with identified disabilities or suspected delays as they acquire science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) skills. Examine effective teaching practices to help them access and explore STEAM materials and concepts. Learn practical strategies to plan the learning environment and embed individualized learning opportunities related to STEAM.

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

Type of Resource: Training

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts Kadisha Conteh

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

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

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: Erin Skaggs and Janelle Jamero, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2024

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Handprint Turkeys, Step Aside: Embracing Process Art in Early Childhood Programs

Embracing Process Art in Preschool

This online article thoughtfully explores ways in which educators can make the shift from “product art” to developmentally appropriate “process art.” Key to the concepts presented is a reminder of questions educators should be asking themselves about their efforts in the classroom: What are you doing? Why? Who is it for?

Organization/Author:  Elizabeth Richards , Community PlayThings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Blog Post Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Blog Post Kadisha Conteh

Beyond Twinkle Twinkle: Using Music With Infants and Toddlers

Beyond Twinkle Twinkle: Using Music With Infants and Toddlers

This article discusses the impact of music on various developmental domains and offers suggestions for using music experiences to encourage young children’s learning in these domains.

Organization/Author:  Zero to Three

Type of Resource: Blog Post

Publication Date: 2016

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Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

Early Music Experience Module

Early Music Experience Module

This 25-minute online module from the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) explains how music can be used to build relationships and support children’s early learning. Each module delivers content through narrated PowerPoint slides with embedded videos. A discussion guide and handout are also available for this module.

Organization/Author:  University of Washington: Institute for Learning and Brain Science

Type of Resource: Modules

Publication Date: 2017

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Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Video Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Video Kadisha Conteh

A Creative Adventure

A Creative Adventure

This 13-minute video encourages classroom staff, teachers, and families to use visual and performing arts techniques to support learning and creative expression. Filmed in classrooms and home-based settings, the video demonstrates activities that allow children to use their imaginations and experience creative adventures.

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

Type of Resource: Video

Publication Date: 2024

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Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Inviting Creativity: The Teacher's Role in Art

Inviting Creativity: The Teacher's Role in Art

This article identifies and critiques teacher-directed, teacher-guided, and child-centered approaches and provides guidelines for determining the creative merits of an activity or approach to art.

Organization/Author:  Rober Schirrmacher, Community PlayThings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2006

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Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Social Studies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Physical Education and Health and Safety, Topic: Modifying Teaching Practices to Support Content Knowledge, Resource Type: Book Chapter, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER) Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Social Studies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Physical Education and Health and Safety, Topic: Modifying Teaching Practices to Support Content Knowledge, Resource Type: Book Chapter, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER) Kadisha Conteh

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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Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Video Collection with Reflection Questions Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Video Collection with Reflection Questions Kadisha Conteh

Creative Arts with Young Children Video Collection

Creative Arts with Young Children Video Collection

The videos and resources illustrate strategies and ideas for supporting young children's developing interest in and understanding of science.

Organization/Author:  Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University

Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions

Publication Date: unknown

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Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators