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

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

*

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

Read More
Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh

Family Literacy at Home: Videos in English and Spanish

https://go.colorincolorado.org/family-literacy-home-videos-english-and-spanish

All families can help their children become readers! These videos offer practical tips for all families on how to support reading at home. These videos are available in English and Spanish and feature early literacy expert Bernadette Pilar Zermeño.

Organization/Author: Bernadette Pilar Zermeño, Colorin colorado!

Type of Resource: Videos

Publication Date: 2025

Read More
Standard 1, Resource Type: Article, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Resource Type: Article, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh

What Works for Multilingual Learners: 7 High-Quality Preschool Practices

https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/what-works-multilingual-learners-7-high-quality-preschool-practices

This article outlines seven research-based practices for supporting young multilingual learners (MLLs) through play-based, child-led learning. By prioritizing two-way conversations, hands-on 3D materials, and home-language support, educators create an inclusive environment where children can connect new English vocabulary to their prior knowledge and cultural experiences.

Organization/Author: Karen Nemeth, Colorin’ Colorado!

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2025

Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
Standard 1, Standard 4, Resource Type: Report, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Resource Type: Report, Topic: Play, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh

The Stuff of Childhood

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/literature/universal-learning-spaces
 How do you choose play equipment that supports your developmental goals for children? What makes good playthings? These time-tested guidelines can help you select appropriate equipment for young children. This is a 24 page booklet.

Organization/Author: Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Report

Publication Date: unknown

Read More
Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh

Universal Learning Spaces-Designing high-quality neuroinclusive learning environments in early education centers

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/literature/universal-learning-spaces
 A guide to create learning spaces to support all children.

Organization/Author: Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Report

Publication Date: unknown

Read More
Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Simulation: Boosting School Readiness Through Effective Family Engagement Series

https://headstart.gov/family-engagement/article/parent-family-community-engagement-simulation-boosting-school-readiness-through-effective-family?redirect=eclkc

These four training simulations are designed to provide students with immersive, practice-based opportunities to master the complexities of family engagement and professional collaboration. Simulation 1 allows students to practice building bonds with families, beginning with an intake visit. Simulation 2 explores the process of developing and implementing goals with families.  Simulation 3 explores using strengths-based attitudes to partner with families during challenging times.   Simulation 4 allows students to practice using collaborative strategies to partner with families during conversations about developmental concerns.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)

Type of Resource: Training (Simulations)

Publication Date: Last updated Dec. 2025

Read More
Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

From the Pages of TYC. Partnering with Families to Support Young Children’s Social and Emotional Development Through Picture Books

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/partnering-with-families

This article explores how educators can partner with families to use picture books as primary tools for nurturing social-emotional skills like empathy, self-regulation, and perseverance. It suggests that by providing lending libraries with discussion guides and hosting interactive literacy workshops, teachers help families navigate challenging topics while strengthening the parent-child bond.

Organization/Author: Alison Hooper, 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

Read More
Standard 1, Standard 2, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Multilingual Learners Kadisha Conteh

Message in a Backpack™. Benefits When Families Speak Their Home Languages

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/message-backpack-speak-their-home-languages

Also available in Spanish: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/message-backpacktm-los-beneficios-de-hablar


This article is a resource written specifically for families to explain why speaking their native language at home is so beneficial for their children. It suggests that using a home language doesn't slow down English learning, but instead builds a child's brain power, strengthens family bonds, and creates a proud sense of cultural identity. By sharing stories and songs in their own language, parents provide a "secret ingredient" that helps their children succeed both at home and in school.

Organization/Author: Rica Ramirez, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2024

Topic of issue of TYC: Nurturing Multilingual Learners in Preschool

Read More
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

Read More
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

Read More
Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Inclusion, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Inclusion, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh

Think, Try, Fix, Share Inclusive Engineering with Young Children Using Universal Design Webinar

Think, Try, Fix, Share Inclusive Engineering with Young Children Using Universal Design Webinar

This recorded webinar presentation (with handouts) explains the engineering practices and problem-solving framework and then teaches how to implement them in an inclusive classroom using fun, engaging, play-based activities. The activities incorporate children’s literature as part of the problem-solving experiences to help children participate in the general education curriculum across various domains. Finally, we will show participants how to make these engineering experiences accessible to young children in an inclusive setting. This presentation will provide educators with hands-on activities using Next Generation Science Standards and specific UDL strategies that support all young children.

Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Angi Stone-Macdonald, Ph.D, and Amanda Lopes, Ph.D, Early Childhood Investigations
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2024

Read More
Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh

Building Blocks for Supporting all Children in Inclusive Settings Webinar

Building Blocks for Supporting all Children in Inclusive Settings Webinar

This webinar explores the Building Blocks Framework to support all children in the classroom. This framework includes four components: 1) A High Quality Early Childhood Environment 2) Curriculum Modifications 3) Embedded Learning Opportunities4) Child Focused Instructional Strategies. This framework is designed to work in any early learning setting (including families homes for early intervention providers) and aligns with other early childhood curriculum.

Note: registration is required to view webinar

Organization/Author: Angi Stone-Macdonald, Ph.D, and Amanda Lopes, Ph.D, Early Childhood Investigations
Type of Resource: Webinar

Publication Date: 2024

Read More
Standard 4, Resource Type: Training, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Training, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh

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

Read More
Standard 4, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

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

Read More
Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Resource Type: Toolkit Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Resource Type: Toolkit Kadisha Conteh

Video Series: Why Inclusion

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

Read More
Standard 4, Resource Type: Toolkit, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Toolkit, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh

A Guide to Teaching Practices

A Guide to Teaching Practices

Teaching strategies are practices used by adults (e.g., family members, practitioners) or, in some instances, by other children to help facilitate children’s participation in everyday routines, learning experiences, and activities. Using these strategies engages children in activities, maintains their interest, and provides opportunities for them to learn concepts and thinking skills that support STEM learning when using adaptations (see STEMIE’s A Guide to Adaptations resource for more information) is not a sufficient support.

Organization/Author: STEMIE: Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education
Type of Resource: Toolkit

Publication Date: 2023

Read More

Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators

Learn more
Learn more