Welcome to the…
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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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!
Child Development and Early Education-Field Experience: An Open Educational Resource (OER)
Child Development and Early Education-Field Experience: An Open Educational Resource (OER)
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 is a collection of Field Experience Skill Evaluation rubrics used to evaluate students in early childhood teacher preparation field experiences. A collection of field experience documents created to provide information and support to students, faculty, and community partners is also included.
Organization/Author: Lansing Community College Child Development and Early Education Program
Type of Resource: Open Educational Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2023
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
How to Build Autonomy in Early Childhood Classrooms
How to Build Autonomy in Early Childhood Classrooms
This video explores how establishing predictable routines and clear roles in preschool helps even the youngest students grow in their ability to make decisions, take on responsibilities, and accomplish tasks independently.
Organization/Author: Amanda Armstrong, Edutopia
Type of Resource: Video
Publication Date: 2023
Where Community Meets Curriculum: Equitable Strategies in the Classroom Webinar
Where Community Meets Curriculum: Equitable Strategies in the Classroom Webinar
This edWebinar explores the concept of revolutionary love and how teachers can use this knowledge to create a classroom community that affirms and celebrates all students’ identities, languages, and cultures. Viewers reflect on their perception of loving pedagogies and the necessity of integrating revolutionary love into teaching practices.
Organization/Author: Dr. Eliza Braden, and Dr. Sanjuana Rodriguez, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2023
Cultivating Calm: Self-Regulation Strategies to Support Children with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors Webinar
This recorded edWebinar explores ways to nurture and support the development of self-regulation skills in the school environment with the intention of decreasing challenging behaviors.
Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Dr. Julie Tourigny, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2024
Culture and Children’s Challenging Behavior Webinar
Culture and Children’s Challenging Behavior Webinar
Social emotional development and learning expert Barbara Kaiser explores the dynamics of culture in shaping teachers’ expectations and children’s behavior.
Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Barbara Kaiser, Ph.D. Early Childhood Investigations
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2022
Culturally Responsive Teaching in Early Childhood Education
Culturally Responsive Teaching in Early Childhood Education
This article explores four ways to validate and affirm young students’ cultures in meaningful ways, which can boost their engagement and motivation.
Organization/Author: Amanda Armstrong, Edutopia
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2020
Rocking and Rolling. Promoting Inclusion in Infant and Toddler Settings
Rocking and Rolling. Promoting Inclusion in Infant and Toddler Settings
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: Rebecca Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2021
Implementing a Curriculum Responsively: Supporting Children’s Development and Learning
Implementing a Curriculum Responsively: Supporting Children’s Development and Learning
This suite describes how education staff can implement a responsive curriculum. It also highlights the importance of understanding children's development and learning. Explore the ways a curriculum guides the learning environment, learning experiences, and adult-child interactions. Consider ways to use a curriculum's guidance to support children's development and learning and promote positive child outcomes.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: 2024
Early Learning Professional Development Packages: Individualized Teaching and Learning
Early Learning Professional Development Packages: Individualized Teaching and Learning
This is a curated professional development package. The content can be used for professional learning, presentations, and coaching opportunities. Topics focus on individualized teaching and learning.
Organization/Author: Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: Various
Early Childhood Behavior Management Case Study
Early Childhood Behavior Management Case Study
This Case Study includes information on how to create developmentally and culturally appropriate classroom rules and how to effectively teach them. It also explores how to encourage appropriate behavior, address challenging behavior, and partner with families to address behavioral issues.
Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module
Publication Date: Unknown
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