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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!

Resource Type: Position Statement, Topic: Advocacy, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Ethical and Professional Guidelines, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Standard 5, Standard 6 Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Position Statement, Topic: Advocacy, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Ethical and Professional Guidelines, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Standard 5, Standard 6 Kadisha Conteh

Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators Position Statement (full document & related resources)

Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators | NAEYC

Along with core knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions, early childhood educators who work in homes, centers, and schools have professional, ethical responsibilities. The “Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators” outlines the essential ethical responsibilities for the early childhood education profession. It speaks to a set of professional ethics—the moral responsibilities that go beyond personal beliefs—that guide ECE workplace decision making and behavior. This link access the full position statement along with other related code of ethics resources and supplements. (Available in English, Spanish, and Chinese)

Organization/Author: NAEYC

Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2025

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

The Wisdom of Play

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/literature/wisdom-of-play
David Elkind, Stuart Brown, Larry Schweinhart, and other early childhood experts record their thoughts on the importance of play. Read how play is a child’s way to make sense of their world, and why it is an essential part of emotional and physical well-being. 28 page booklet

Organization/Author: Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Report

Publication Date: unknown

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

Showing Up Podcast

https://cultivatelearning.webdamdb.com/bp/#/brandguidelines/4662/section/54916

The “Showing Up” podcast explores trauma-informed care within Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO). Featuring insights from academics, youth, and community providers, each episode covers critical topics such as intersectionality, queer youth advocacy, and self-regulation. Every installment concludes with a "strategy spotlight" providing actionable tools and language to help practitioners foster hope and sustainable well-being in their work with young people. Each podcast episode includes a video and MP3 file.

Organization/Author: Cultivate Learning, University of Washington

Type of Resource: Podcast

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 1, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Early Childhood Policy, Topic: Advocacy, Resource Type: ebook Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 6, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Early Childhood Policy, Topic: Advocacy, Resource Type: ebook Kadisha Conteh

Closing the Opportunity Gap for Young Children

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26743/closing-the-opportunity-gap-for-young-children

Many young children in the United States are thriving and have access to the conditions and resources they need to grow up healthy. However, a substantial number of young children face more challenging conditions such as: poverty; food insecurity; exposure to violence; and inadequate access to health care, well-funded quality schools, and mental health care. In many cases, the historical origins of unequal access to crucial supports for children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development are rooted in policies that intentionally segregated and limited various populations' access to resources and create opportunity gaps that intertwine and compound to affect academic, health, and economic outcomes over an individual's life course and across generations.

Organization/Author: LaRue Allen and Rebekah Hutton, Editors; Various Contributors; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Type of Resource: Book

Publication Date: 2023

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh

Message in a Backpack™. Strategies Families Can Use for Dealing with Stress

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/eyc/summer2025/message-in-a-backpack

This "Message in a Backpack™" article provides practical guidance for families on managing stress to support both adult well-being and child development.

Organization/Author: Ingrid Anderson, Educating Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Summer 2025

Topic of issue of EYC: Educator Well-Being: Supports Across the Early Childhood Ecosystem

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmental Theories, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Developmental Theories, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh

Innovations in Higher Education. Decolonization Is Not a Buzz Word: (Re)Envisioning Early Childhood Teacher Education Through Curriculum Design

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/decolonization-in-ece

In this article, the author explores the redesign of Erikson Institute’s teacher licensure program to challenge white-dominant narratives and address systemic inequities in early childhood education. It details how decolonizing pedagogies, such as land education and reflective identity assignments, are used to prepare educators to foster inclusive, just learning environments.

Organization/Author: Meghan L. Green, 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 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Curriculum Kadisha Conteh

Our Proud Heritage. Drawing on Women’s Expertise: Establishing the Bureau of Educational Experiments

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/fall2024/our-proud-heritage

This article explores the history of the Bureau of Educational Experiments (now Bank Street College), highlighting how a dedicated network of women transformed early childhood education through social reform and scientific observation. It suggests that by studying children’s play and interests—an approach called "learning from children"—educators can develop a curriculum that values student agency and connects learning to the "here and now." This legacy emphasizes the importance of professional collaboration and using a child’s own ideas to build a more equitable and engaging school experience.

Organization/Author: Jeroen Staring, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Fall 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Informed and Guided by Context: Strengths-Based Teaching and Learning

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

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

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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: 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, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Webinar, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Family Diversity, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Webinar Kadisha Conteh

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

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

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

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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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Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators

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