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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
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
A Guide to Developmental Environments
A Guide to Developmental Environments
Learn how the conditions in places where children live, grow, play, and learn shape their developing brains and other biological systems, with lifelong implications. This is a set of resources, including working papers, infographics, and policy briefs, all which shed light on this topic.
Organization/Author: Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University
Type of Resource: Toolkit
Publication Date: Various
The New Ecology of Early Childhood: Revisiting Bronfenbrenner’s Theory in the Context of Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities
The New Ecology of Early Childhood: Revisiting Bronfenbrenner’s Theory in the Context of Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities
This working paper from the Stanford Center on Early Childhood revisits Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory in light of present day conditions and challenges.
Organization/Author: Philip A. Fisher, PhD & Joan Lombardi, PhD, Stanford Center on Early Childhood, Stanford University
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2025
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
10 Effective DAP Teaching Strategies
10 Effective DAP Teaching Strategies
An infographic from NAEYC that gives ten effective strategies to individualize instruction.
Organization/Author: NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: Unknown
Executive Function: Essential Classroom Skills EdWeb Webinar
Executive Function: Essential Classroom Skills EdWeb Webinar
In this edWebinar, Dr. Andrei Semenov and Renae Ouillette talk about the development of executive function skills and how these skills manifest themselves in the classroom as well as strategies teachers and parents can take to improve a child’s proficiency at these skills. Note: Registration is required to view webinar.
Organization/Author: Dr. Andrei Semenov and Renae Ouillette, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2022
Social-Emotional and Executive Functioning Solutions for the Early Childhood Program Webinar
Social-Emotional and Executive Functioning Solutions for the Early Childhood Program Webinar
In this edWebinar, experts cover the theory and significance of social-emotional learning and executive functioning skills development as they relate to early childhood learning programs and highlight the current needs of early childhood programs as related to these areas. Note: registration is required to view webinar.
Organization/Author: Kylie Rymanowicz, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2023
Alliance for Childhood: Video Collection
Alliance for Childhood: Video Collection
A collection of videos on play, including:
playground NYC
Pop Up Play and Loose Parts
Family Play, Family Well-Being
Prescription for Play
Playwork: An Introduction
Wetlands and Wonder
Organization/Author: Alliance for Childhood
Type of Resource: Video Collection
Publication Date: Unknown
Alliance for Childhood: Publications and Reports
Alliance for Childhood: Publications and Reports
This includes various reports about play and children’s health, play and risk, play and loose parts, playwork, recess, and technology.
Organization/Author: Alliance for Childhood
Type of Resource: Reports
Publication Date: Unknown
Alliance for Childhood: Fact Sheets on Play
Alliance for Childhood: Fact Sheets on Play
The following fact sheets are included:
Twelve Key Types of Play
Playwork and Play
Time for Play, Every Day
When Kindergarten Testing is Out of Hand
Crisis in the Kindergarten
Outdoor Play for Children
Organization/Author: Alliance for Childhood
Type of Resource: Reports
Publication Date: Unknown
Individualizing
Learn about individualizing to support individual learning outcomes and goals for children with disabilities. Materials include Adapting the Curriculum: Supervisors Tool, a guide for observations in the classroom; the Classroom Quality Indicators Checklist—a checklist to help supervisors determine that foundational elements of a quality classroom are in place; and Supervisor’s Guide: More About the Quality Indicators.
You’ll find practical strategies for educators and other caregivers in the Classroom Quality Indicators Checklist; Individualizing Within a Group Activity; and the Planned Instruction Form—to use when planning for an individual child in your program. The Arts & Crafts signs can be posted throughout the learning spaces to give staff ideas about what to work on while engaging with children.
Organization/Author: Head Start Center for Inclusion
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: Unknown
Inclusion Basics: Membership
Embedded Learning Opportunities for Infants and Toddlers
Foster belonging for young children with disabilities in inclusive early childhood settings, with support from this range of resources for educators and supervisors. Materials include a video presentation, presentation slides, video clips for asking a friend to play, print and go materials, and handouts.
Organization/Author: Head Start Center for Inclusion
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: Unknown
Video Series: Why Inclusion
A set of three animated videos that describe high quality inclusion:
Part 1: Let’s Change Attitudes and Beliefs
Part 2: Key Characteristics of High Quality Inclusive Education
Part 3: Social Outcomes in Inclusion
Organization/Author: STEMIE: Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education
Type of Resource: Toolkit
Publication Date: 2021
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
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
Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for Birth-33 Months
These five engaging, content-rich, video-based trainings are organized by age. Take the online 45-minute self-paced version, or download the Facilitator’s Guide to lead family child-care and center- and school-based educators in a 1.5–2 hour training. Topics include:
The Roots of Early Learning
Supporting Young Infants’ Learning
Supporting Older Infants’ Learning
Supporting Young Toddlers’ Learning
Supporting Older Toddlers’ Learning
Organization/Author: Massachusetts Department of Early Education (EEC)
Type of Resource: Trainings
Publication Date: Unknown
Let’s Dig Deep: Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
Let’s Dig Deep: Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
This video collection includes four videos (under 5 minutes, each) created by the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. All videos explore developmentally appropriate practice.
Organization/Author: Devereux Center for Resilient Children
Type of Resource: Videos
Publication Date: 2022
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
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
Meaningful Makeover
Research shows that small changes to a classroom can make a big impact on a child’s learning. Need some ideas to create a more engaging early learning environment? Meaningful Makeover is a web series created and produced by Gail Joseph, PhD, founding director of Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington. This series for educators and early learning providers offers tips, visuals, and inexpensive solutions that transform environments. It promotes learning opportunities, greater accessibility, and engagement. Each episode highlights simple improvements that are easy to make. Watch our educational environment experts as they team up with providers to show the secrets and science behind the most impactful early learning spaces.
Organization/Author: Gail Joseph, Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
Type of Resource: Video and Resources
Publication Date: 2024
Circle Time Magazine: Positive Behavior Support
Circle Time Magazine: Positive Behavior Support
This is the second season of Circle Time Magazine (CTM); a unique professional development series that offers a web-based talk show, magazine, and online resources with each episodes. This season addresses key PBS practices that promote children’s healthy social and emotional development and increase positive behavior. Learn about the fundamental importance of building trusting relationships and designing supportive environments, gain strategies for improving children’s emotional literacy and problem-solving skills, and increase your ability to provide intensive support for children with ongoing or severe behavior.
Organization/Author: Circle Time Magazine, Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
Type of Resource: Web-based Talk Show, Magazine, and Online Resources
Publication Date: Unknown
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