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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 1, Standard 4, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Play, Topic: Brain Development, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Play, Topic: Brain Development, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Building Executive Function Skills Through Games: The Power of Playful Learning

Building Executive Function Skills Through Games: The Power of Playful Learning
This article discusses the importance of executive function to children’s learning and development, exploring the connection between EF and playful learning through games.

Organization/Author: Cynthia A. Wiltshire and Molly Scott, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2024

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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 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Differentiation in Preschool

Differentiation in Preschool
This brief article explores differentiation in the preschool classroom.

Organization/Author: Cecilia Cabrera Martirena, Edutopia
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2021

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Play, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Executive Function Skills Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Play, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Executive Function Skills Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Play, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Executive Function Skills Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Play, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Executive Function Skills Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Play, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Executive Function Skills Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Play, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Executive Function Skills Kadisha Conteh

Simple and Effective Strategies to Support Executive Function Skills in Young Children Webinar

Simple and Effective Strategies to Support Executive Function Skills in Young Children Webinar
During this edWebinar, viewers not only learn what executive function is, they also learn strategies and activities they can start using right away to help all children develop strong executive function skills that they can rely on throughout the day. Note: Registration is required to view webinar.

Organization/Author: Julie Tourigny, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2024

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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 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Executive Function Skills, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh

Executive Function and Challenging Behavior: A New Approach, by Ellen Galinsky Webinar

Routines-Based Planning for Infants and Toddlers
In this paradigm-shifting (recorded) webinar by child development experts, researchers, and author, Ellen Galinsky, you will learn the research implications and strategies that work to help children manage their own behavior through improved executive function. Note: Registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Ellen Galinsky, Early Childhood Investigations 
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2020

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Standard 4, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Play, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Play, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh

Play-responsiveness as a Teaching Practice: Using The Original Learning Approach Webinar

Play-responsiveness as a Teaching Practice: Using The Original Learning Approach Webinar
In this recorded webinar, early childhood care and education expert Suzanne Axelsson explores how weaving wonder, curiosity, joy, knowledge, imagination, interaction, risk, time, reflection, and listening can bring teaching closer to a state of play.

Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Suzanne Axelsson, Ph.D, Early Childhood Investigations  
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2023

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Standard 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Topic: Play, Resource Type: Report, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Play, Resource Type: Report, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Physical Education and Health and Safety, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Physical Education and Health and Safety, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

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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Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for Birth-33 Months

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

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Standard 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting

This article is an excerpt from chapter 5 in Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8, Fourth Edition (NAEYC 2022). It explores the idea of playful learning.

Organization/Author: Jennfier M. Zosh et. al, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2022

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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, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Play Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Play Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development

Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development

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, NAEYC 
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Standard 1, Resource Type: Video, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Resource Type: Video, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh

TED Talk: What do Babies Think

It all begins with an idea.

TED Talk: What do Babies Think

"Babies and young children are like the R&D division of the human species," says psychologist Alison Gopnik. Her research explores the sophisticated intelligence-gathering and decision-making that babies are really doing when they play.

Organization/Author: Alison Gopnik, TED Talk

Type of Resource: Video

Publication Date: 2011

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Standard 1, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Developmental Theories, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Developmental Theories, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh

Developing Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children: Seven Skills for School Success

It all begins with an idea.

Developing Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children: Seven Skills for School Success

This 60 minute edWebinar provides information, activities, and experiences that develop the seven skills children need in order to become successful learners. These include the ability to relate to and play with others, express feelings, and understand how others feel.

Organization/Author: Jody Martin, Frog Street

Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2020

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Resource Type: Website, Topic: Play Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Resource Type: Website, Topic: Play Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development

Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development

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,Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators