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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.

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 1, Resource Type: Article, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Resource Type: Article, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts Kadisha Conteh

The Importance of Art to the Development of the Whole Child- Why Children Need to Experience Art

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/the-importance-of-art-to-the-development-of-the-whole-child

This article argues that art should be about the process, not a final "cute" product. By replacing directed crafts with open-ended materials, teachers help children develop critical thinking, self-expression, and physical skills without the pressure to follow adult instructions.

Organization/Author: Diane Kashin, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: October 2022

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Standard 1, Resource Type: Article, Standard 5, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Resource Type: Article, Standard 5, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh

Toddlers as Investigators: Understanding Emergent Curriculum

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/toddlers-as-investigators
This article defines emergent curriculum as a responsive approach where teachers use "active listening" and observation to turn toddler curiosities into learning opportunities. By moving away from predetermined scripts and toward child-led inquiries—like pouring, dumping, or mixing—educators foster autonomy and partner with toddlers in their rapid developmental growth.

Organization/Author: Melissa Pinkham, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: May 2023

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Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Where the Magic Happens: Taking Your Play-Based Program Outdoors

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/where-the-magic-happens
This article emphasizes the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of transitioning play-based learning to the outdoors, regardless of the setting or weather. It provides a practical framework for educators to shift their mindset from "supervisors" to "facilitators" by using proper gear, flexible scheduling, and intentional activity planning.

Organization/Author: Christina Davis, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: June 2023

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Play, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Play, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh

Following Children's Lead with the Project Approach Inspired Learning for Children and Adults

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/following-childrens-lead
This article explores how the Project Approach fosters in-depth, child-led learning through collaborative investigations like the "Rocks Project" in Kansas City. By observing children's natural curiosities and engaging community experts, educators can co-construct meaningful, standards-based curriculum that enhances intellectual development and family engagement.

Organization/Author: Karrie Snider, Della Judie, Carol Bolz, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: August 2023

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh

Memory: The Heart of all Learning-The Importance of Enactive and Iconic Memory for Young Children

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/memory-the-heart-of-all-learning
Grounded in Jerome Bruner’s theories, this piece explores how young children use their bodies and mental images to store and retrieve information. The author cautions educators against "jumpstarting" formal schooling, emphasizing that mastery of physical and spatial memory is a prerequisite for successful linguistic and logical development.

Organization/Author: Francis Wardle, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: August 2023

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Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

The Teacher's Role in the Emergent Curriculum

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/the-teachers-role-in-the-emergent-curriculum
This article describes the teacher's role in an emergent curriculum as a dynamic mix of scholar, designer, project manager, storyteller, and evaluator. Instead of just following a script, teachers use their knowledge of child development to design meaningful spaces, document students' progress, and adjust the environment based on children's changing interests. This approach ensures that learning is a collaborative journey where the teacher guides and deepens the child's natural exploration of the world

Organization/Author: Shira B. Kulok, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: April 2025

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Incorporating Literacy and Math Skills in the Emergent Curriculum- A director's thoughts on how to cultivate joyful, child-led learning

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/incorporating-literacy-and-math-skills-in-the-emergent-curriculum
This article explores the emergent curriculum approach, where educators build lessons around children's natural curiosities and real-world observations rather than pre-set workbooks. It demonstrates how teachers can integrate core math and literacy skills into student-led inquiries—such as building skyscrapers or observing winter ducks—to create authentic, lasting learning experiences.

Organization/Author: Meghan Murray, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: May 2025

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh

Our Proud Heritage. Drawing on Women’s Expertise: Establishing the Bureau of Educational Experiments

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/fall2024/our-proud-heritage

This article explores the history of the Bureau of Educational Experiments (now Bank Street College), highlighting how a dedicated network of women transformed early childhood education through social reform and scientific observation. It suggests that by studying children’s play and interests—an approach called "learning from children"—educators can develop a curriculum that values student agency and connects learning to the "here and now." This legacy emphasizes the importance of professional collaboration and using a child’s own ideas to build a more equitable and engaging school experience.

Organization/Author: Jeroen Staring, 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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Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Play Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Play Kadisha Conteh

A Child-Centered Approach for Inspiring Discovery and Learning in Pre-K Students Webinar

A Child-Centered Approach for Inspiring Discovery and Learning in Pre-K Students Webinar
This edWebinar explores how an innovative blend of play, hands-on experiences, direct instruction, and technology can enrich your teaching practices and provide developmentally appropriate, thematically integrated learning experiences. Kara Ball, author and Academic Officer at Teacher Created Materials, addresses the key elements of creating a safe and engaging preschool classroom where children learn through exploration, inquiry, and play. Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Kara Ball, edWeb Webinar

Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2024

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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 4, Topic: Curriculum, Standard 1, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Curriculum, Standard 1, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

OER Textbook: Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the Preschool Environment

OER Textbook: Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the Preschool Environment

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 implement developmentally appropriate practices in an early childhood classroom.  It includes information on implementing standards, building relationships, supporting diverse learners, and creating curriculum.

Organization/Author: Joan Hayden and Laura Hutton

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

Publication Date: 2021

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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 5, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering Kadisha Conteh

NAEYC Resources about Technology and Media

NAEYC Resources about Technology and Media

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC about technology and media, including resources for teachers and families.

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

Publication Date: Various

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Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics Kadisha Conteh

NAEYC Resources about STEM

NAEYC Resources about STEM

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC about STEM learning.

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

Publication Date: Various

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Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

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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Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

NAEYC Resources about Math

NAEYC Resources about Math

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC that include topics such as Playful Math Learning at School, How Children Learn and Understand Math, and Math Ideas for Families.

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

Publication Date: Various

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Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Position Statement-Mathematics in Early Childhood Learning

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Position Statement-Mathematics in Early Childhood Learning


National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) outlines their position on mathematics in early learning.

Organization/Author: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) 
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh

National Science Teaching Association: Position Statement-Early Childhood Science Education

National Science Teaching Association: Position Statement-Early Childhood Science Education


The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Position Statement on Early Childhood Science Education.

Organization/Author: National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) 
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2013

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Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh

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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