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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, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh

New to Teaching ELLs?

https://go.colorincolorado.org/new-teaching-ells

A comprehensive set of videos and resources that helps students who are new to teaching multilingual learners. Topics include building relationships with students, creating a welcoming classroom, what you need to know about your students, tips from veteran teachers, building an ELL network, and learning from special populations of students.

Organization/Author: Bernadette Pilar Zermeño, Colorin colorado!

Type of Resource: Videos

Publication Date: 2025

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

Creating Boundaries in a “Yes” Environment

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/creating-boundaries-in-a-yes-environment

This article explores creating a "yes" environment by replacing restrictive rules with flexible, developmental boundaries that support safe risk-taking. By focusing on "reasonably safe" spaces and child "buy-in," educators can shift from constant correction to intentional facilitation, fostering a classroom culture of trust and autonomy.

Organization/Author: Teresa Parlan Gonsoski, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Feb. 2023

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Standard 1, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Ethical and Professional Guidelines Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Ethical and Professional Guidelines Kadisha Conteh

Everyone Needs Attention

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/everyone-needs-attention
This article reframes "attention-seeking" behavior as a fundamental human need for relationship and secure attachment. It urges educators to replace punitive responses with compassionate connection, recognizing that children's emotional health and self-regulation flourish through validation rather than isolation.

Organization/Author: Tamar Jacobson, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: June 2023

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

Communicating Effectively with Children-Rethinking Transitions and Circle Times

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/communicating-effectively-with-children
Beth Trammell offers evidence-based strategies to rethink transition periods, focusing on reducing wait times and using concrete language that matches a child's cognitive abilities. The article outlines six essential steps for delivering instructions that increase compliance and foster a sense of security within the classroom.

Organization/Author: Beth Trammell, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: October 2023

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

Strengthening Executive Function Builds Social-Emotional Competence in Young Learners

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/strengthening-executive-function-builds-social-emotional-competence-in-young-learners
Renae Ouillette addresses the gap between neuroscience and current educational practices, calling for a shift away from standardized testing toward EF-building strategies. The article provides actionable classroom techniques, such as establishing predictable routines, prioritizing open-ended play, and modeling conflict resolution to improve long-term learning trajectories

Organization/Author: Renae Ouillette, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: July 2024

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Sharing Our Calm: The Role of Coregulation in the Infant-Toddler Classroom

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/rocking-and-rolling

This article explores coregulation, the essential process where adults "share their calm" to help infants and toddlers manage emotions they cannot yet regulate themselves. It suggests that educators must first maintain their own well-being through mindfulness to provide the sensitive, predictable responses that form the foundation for a child's future self-regulation and social success.

Organization/Author: Rebecca Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Self-Regulation and Executive Function: Responsive and Informed Practices for Early Childhood

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

Innovations in Higher Education. Including Black Language in Early Childhood Education: Addressing Linguistic Diversity in Teacher Preparation

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/winter2024/including-black-language-ece

This article explores how teacher preparation programs can challenge "anti-Black linguistic racism" by teaching educators to value Black Language as a sophisticated, rule-governed system rather than "broken English." It suggests that by examining personal biases and learning the historical roots of the language, teachers can transition from correcting children to affirming their bilingual identity. This shift is presented as a critical step in creating equitable classrooms where African American children can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or unfair discipline.

Organization/Author: Taajah Witherspoon and Teaira McMurtry, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Winter 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Creating and Supporting High-Quality Early Learning Programs

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

A Broader Concept of Family: Strategies for Welcoming Foster Families into Early Childhood Settings

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/winter2024/welcoming-foster-families

This article explores how teachers can better support children in foster care by building strong, respectful partnerships with their foster parents. It suggests moving away from traditional labels like "mom and dad" or rigid assignments like "family trees" in favor of more inclusive language and activities that welcome all types of caregivers. By focusing on open communication and honoring the unique roles of everyone involved, educators can create a stable and caring environment where every child feels they belong.

Organization/Author: Danielle Dushane and Ysaaca Axelrod, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Winter 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Creating and Supporting High-Quality Early Learning Programs

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Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

Six Ways Educators Can Honor Home Languages

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/educators-can-honor-home-languages
This article explores practical ways educators can value and incorporate children's home languages into the classroom, even if the teachers are monolingual English speakers. It suggests that by engaging families, using multilingual greetings, and affirming home languages during play, educators create a more inclusive environment that strengthens a child's cultural identity. These strategies help build a caring community where diverse linguistic backgrounds are recognized as valuable assets to learning.

Organization/Author: Angele Sancho Passe, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of TYC: Nurturing Multilingual Learners in Preschool

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Standard 1, Standard 3, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 3, Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

Assessing Agency in Learning Contexts: A First, Critical Step to Assessing Children

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/spring2023/assessing-agency
This article explores how children can only show their true intelligence and skills when they have "agency," or the freedom to make choices and lead their own activities. It suggests that instead of focusing primarily on testing and control, teachers can benefit from creating learning environments that encourage kids to move, talk, and solve problems together. By doing this, educators can move past personal biases and better recognize the full potential of every child.

Organization/Author: Natacha N. Jones, Amber T. Fowler, Jennifer Keys Adair, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Spring 2023

Topic of issue of YC: Developmentally Appropriate Assessment Practices: Gathering, Understanding, and Using Information 

Though select articles (like this one) are available for nonmembers, a complete edition of this NAEYC publication is available as a NAEYC member benefit through the membership portal.

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Standard 5, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Standard 5, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Standard 5, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Standard 5, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

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

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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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Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators

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