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!
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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.
Check out the resource library tutorial for more info.
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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!
The Ordinary Magic of Resilience
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/the-ordinary-magic-of-resilience
This article explores how fairy tales and imaginative play serve as powerful tools for building "ordinary magic"—the resilience children need to overcome toxic stress and adversity. By integrating classic stories into classroom centers, educators can foster the four key protective factors of resilience: strong relationships, initiative, executive function, and cultural context.
Organization/Author: Stephanie Goloway, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: May 2023
Where the Magic Happens: Taking Your Play-Based Program Outdoors
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/where-the-magic-happens
This article emphasizes the physical, mental, and developmental benefits of transitioning play-based learning to the outdoors, regardless of the setting or weather. It provides a practical framework for educators to shift their mindset from "supervisors" to "facilitators" by using proper gear, flexible scheduling, and intentional activity planning.
Organization/Author: Christina Davis, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: June 2023
Following Children's Lead with the Project Approach Inspired Learning for Children and Adults
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/following-childrens-lead
This article explores how the Project Approach fosters in-depth, child-led learning through collaborative investigations like the "Rocks Project" in Kansas City. By observing children's natural curiosities and engaging community experts, educators can co-construct meaningful, standards-based curriculum that enhances intellectual development and family engagement.
Organization/Author: Karrie Snider, Della Judie, Carol Bolz, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: August 2023
Benefits of Clay Play-Understanding the Exploration Stage of Children
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/benefits-of-clay-play
This article highlights the importance of the "exploration stage" in art, urging educators to prioritize sensory discovery over final products. By introducing clay as a responsive, earthy medium, Sally Haughey illustrates how simple actions—like pounding, piling, and rolling—build fine motor strength, cognitive problem-solving, and a deep, tactile connection to the natural world.
Organization/Author: Sally Haughey, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: September 2023
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
Block Building for Overstimulated Children
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/block-building-for-overstimulated-children
This article explores how traditional block play serves as a powerful antidote to the overstimulation caused by modern technology. Veteran educator Todd Erickson demonstrates how hands-on materials like unit and hollow blocks foster essential developmental skills including deep focus, resilience in problem-solving, and social perspective-taking.
Organization/Author: Todd Erickson, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: January 2025
The Teacher's Role in the Emergent Curriculum
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/the-teachers-role-in-the-emergent-curriculum
This article describes the teacher's role in an emergent curriculum as a dynamic mix of scholar, designer, project manager, storyteller, and evaluator. Instead of just following a script, teachers use their knowledge of child development to design meaningful spaces, document students' progress, and adjust the environment based on children's changing interests. This approach ensures that learning is a collaborative journey where the teacher guides and deepens the child's natural exploration of the world
Organization/Author: Shira B. Kulok, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: April 2025
The Importance of Dramatic Play for Young Children-How dramatic play fosters social/emotional development
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/the-importance-of-dramatic-play-for-young-children
This article highlights dramatic play as a vital tool for helping children process emotions, build empathy, and develop self-regulation through role-playing. It explains how acting out real-life scenarios gives children a sense of control and strengthens their social-emotional skills.
Organization/Author: Kelly Hantak, Sarah Grissom, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: May 2025
Incorporating Literacy and Math Skills in the Emergent Curriculum- A director's thoughts on how to cultivate joyful, child-led learning
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/incorporating-literacy-and-math-skills-in-the-emergent-curriculum
This article explores the emergent curriculum approach, where educators build lessons around children's natural curiosities and real-world observations rather than pre-set workbooks. It demonstrates how teachers can integrate core math and literacy skills into student-led inquiries—such as building skyscrapers or observing winter ducks—to create authentic, lasting learning experiences.
Organization/Author: Meghan Murray, Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: May 2025
Pre-K Spaces
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/literature/pre-k-spaces
Pre-K Spaces is a room design handbook for preschool environments. This step-by-step guide walks you through the six easy steps to create the best layout and design for a preschool classroom. 28 page booklet
Organization/Author: Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Report
Publication Date: unknown
Watch and Wonder: The Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly Video
This resource highlights the captivating power of nature in the classroom through the life cycle of monarch butterflies. By observing the metamorphosis from egg to butterfly, students and families engage in a shared educational experience that fosters deep curiosity and strengthens the home-school connection.
Organization/Author: Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Video
Publication Date: unknown
The Important Role of the Teacher in Block Play: Supporting Deeper Engagement and Learning in the Block Area Video
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/videos/the-important-role-of-the-teacher-in-block-play
What is the role of the adult in block play? Watch and listen as experienced educators from Bank Street, City & Country School, and Caltech discuss the important role of the teacher in supporting, scaffolding, and guiding block play.
Organization/Author: Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Video
Publication Date: unknown
Foundations of Learning: Building STEM Skills Video
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/videos/foundations-of-learning-building-stem-skills
In this 3-minute video, Hal Melnick, Susan Wood, and Yvonne Smith explain why every school that is serious about STEM education needs to have a strong block play component in their curriculum.
Organization/Author: Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Video
Publication Date: unknown
Communicating with Clarity: Helping Children Understand the What, Why, and How of Their Learning
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/communicating-clarity
This article explores "clarity for learning," which helps children understand the what (goal), why (relevance), and how (success criteria) of their daily activities. It suggests that by using visuals, think-aloud modeling, and metacognitive questioning, educators empower children to take ownership of their learning and self-monitor their progress across play and academic tasks.
Organization/Author: Kateri Thunder, John T. Almarode, Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Alisha-Demchak, 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
Engaging Families of Multilingual Learners: Using Families’ Stories to Link Classroom Content with Children’s Funds of Knowledge
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/fall2024/engaging-multilingual-learner-families
This article explores how educators can use simple technology, like QR codes and tablets, to bring families' "funds of knowledge" and home languages directly into the classroom curriculum. It suggests that by having families record and share personal stories related to class themes, teachers create a more inclusive environment that values a child's heritage and strengthens their language development. This approach fosters a deeper, reciprocal partnership between home and school while making learning more meaningful and engaging for multilingual learners.
Organization/Author: Alexandra Figueras-Daniels and Bernice Vasquez, 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
The Power of Child-Created Texts and Puppetry: Nurturing Preschoolers’ Social and Emotional Development (Voices)
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/winter2024/child-created-texts-and-puppetry
This teacher research article explores how using puppet-making and child-led storytelling helped two multilingual preschoolers build social skills and confidence. It suggests that these creative tools allow children to express themselves beyond language barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and community. By researching their own practice, the educators demonstrate how honoring a child's unique cultural identity can transform their social and emotional development.
Organization/Author: Kiyomi Umezawa and Emiko Kurosawa Arakaki, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: Winter 2024
Topic of issue of YC: Creating and Supporting High-Quality Early Learning Programs
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.
Supporting Early Literacy Through Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Supporting Early Literacy Through Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Prepare to engage children with disabilities who are linguistically diverse in language and literacy development opportunities, with this set of practical tools and resources. Materials include presentation video, presentation slides, and related handouts.
Organization/Author: Head Start Center for Inclusion
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: Unknown
Building Executive Function Skills Through Games: The Power of Playful Learning
Building Executive Function Skills Through Games: The Power of Playful Learning
This article discusses the importance of executive function to children’s learning and development, exploring the connection between EF and playful learning through games.
Organization/Author: Cynthia A. Wiltshire and Molly Scott, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2024
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