Welcome to the…
Professional Standards & Competencies Resource Library
The Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators outline the essential knowledge, skills, and practices that are foundational to high-quality early childhood education. These standards define what early childhood educators should know and be able to do in order to support the learning and development of young children from birth through age 8. They serve as a guiding framework for professional development, practice, and evaluation within the field of early childhood education.
Understanding and implementing these standards is crucial for educators as they help ensure the delivery of equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education that promotes the well-being and success of all children. By adhering to these standards, educators also contribute to the profession's commitment to continuous improvement and accountability.
Please note that while the collection of resources has been organized and tagged according to the Professional Standards and Competencies, only the most applicable competencies have been prioritized for searching and tagging purposes.
For NAEYC resources in the library, you can find policies related to reproducing, distributing, or otherwise using content here. For all other resources, please follow appropriate practices for using/citing sources.
Directions for Using the Professional Standards and Competencies Resource Library
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The PS&Cs Resource Library allows you to peruse ALL of the many resources available (by default) or you can utilize the provided filter and narrow down your search to target specific resources.
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By using the filtering categories, you are able to narrow your search to particular professional standards, one or more of the 22 key competencies, various ECE topics, a variety of age ranges, specific types of resources such as articles or videos or even find resources available in languages other than English.
The robust filters even allow you to choose multiple choices across categories or within the same category to further narrow your search!
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Once you have opened the various filter categories provided in the filter tool, you will notice that “all” is highlighted and checked in each category by default. This means the filter tool will not filter out any of those options within that category. If you wish to narrow your search, you simply click on one or more of the other options within the various filtering categories. Clicking will check that option. Checked options will be utilized for your search!
To remove an option, simply click it again to remove the check from the checkbox.
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The search feature is similar to any other search engine on a website. It can be used for a specific key word or phrase. Although the search may be helpful and is provided, the more robust filter tool may ultimately be more helpful in focusing and narrowing your search for resources.
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Naturally, broken links will occur. Sometimes the resource has been moved to a new web address and other times it has been temporarily or permanently removed. We welcome you to report any broken links you find here. We will do our best to replace the link when possible or remove the resource if it is no longer available.
**As of Feb. 2025, certain webpages and resources, particularly from agencies/organizations/projects that receive federal funds, have been at least temporarily removed in order to comply with federal mandates related to the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders. We will continue to monitor these resource links and update them if and when new links are available.
Start Your Search--Resource Library
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Start Your Search--Resource Library *
Sort quickly through the hundreds of available resources by using the filter tool on the left to populate the specific resources you need!
Accessible Learning Spaces: A Guide to Implementing Universal Design in Early Childhood Webinar
Accessible Learning Spaces: A Guide to Implementing Universal Design in Early Childhood Webinar
Whether you’re new to UDL or looking to deepen your understanding and practice, this edWebinar empowers you to unlock the potential of every child in your early learning environment. Prepare to transform your teaching and create a more inclusive, engaging, and effective environment. From designing flexible learning spaces to using technology to support diverse learners, you discover practical strategies and tips for implementing UDL in your classroom to increase student engagement and success. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Cindy Mudroch, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2024
Strategies to Increase Vocabulary in Young Children Webinar
Strategies to Increase Vocabulary in Young Children Webinar
This edWebinar identifies the most effective strategies for teaching vocabulary based on the research documented in the article “Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel” (2008) and supported by the book Early Childhood Literacy: The National Early Literacy Panel and Beyond (Shanahan & Lonigan, 2012). Viewers explore myths of vocabulary instruction and expand their knowledge of research-based practices, including tiered vocabulary instruction. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Claudia Castillo-Magallanez, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2024
A Multimodal Approach to Early Literacy with Fun Foundations Webinar
A Multimodal Approach to Early Literacy with Fun Foundations Webinar
This is an enriching edWebinar that explores an evidence-based approach to literacy instruction, integrating multiple modalities for optimal learning outcomes. Our expert presenters guide you through a dynamic and blended methodology designed to seamlessly infuse the Science of Reading into developmentally appropriate early learning experiences. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Joy Allcock and Meghann Hickey, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2023
3 Simple Approaches to Differentiate Phonics Instruction in Any K-2 Classroom Webinar
3 Simple Approaches to Differentiate Phonics Instruction in Any K-2 Classroom Webinar
In this edWebinar, the presenters share how and why differentiated phonics instruction helps students move ahead more quickly in their reading and writing. They cover three different models for making differentiation practical and easy. Teachers walk away with a clear roadmap for assessing students’ needs, choosing or creating differentiated materials, and finding time for targeted, needs-based phonics practice. All viewers get access to a diagnostic phonics assessment to help them put into practice the concepts covered during the edWebinar. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Alison Ryan and Ingrid Davis, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2022
Teaching Numeracy to Young Children: A Responsive and Differentiated Approach Webinar
Teaching Numeracy to Young Children: A Responsive and Differentiated Approach Webinar
This webinar presented a research-supported scope and sequence for teaching young children concepts related to number sense. Brian Mowry reviewed engaging whole group instructional content and activities appropriate for all developmental levels represented within one classroom. He discussed how to differentiate within small groups and individualize instruction following the scope and sequence presented in the above topics so that each child can practice at a level commensurate to their skill set and development. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Brian Mowry, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2016
Elevate Math Instruction with Responsive Approaches for Differentiated Inquiry-Based Learning Webinar
Elevate Math Instruction with Responsive Approaches for Differentiated Inquiry-Based Learning Webinar
In this edWebinar, you discover how to build mastery and bring joy to the math classroom with active approaches to differentiate inquiry-based learning. Highlights include ways to inspire creative instruction with flexible and informative frameworks. Plus, you learn why implementation transforms schools and makes an impact, from instruction and intervention to assessment and progress monitoring. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Michele Lynch, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2023
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
Cultivating Calm: Self-Regulation Strategies to Support Children with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors Webinar
This recorded edWebinar explores ways to nurture and support the development of self-regulation skills in the school environment with the intention of decreasing challenging behaviors.
Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Dr. Julie Tourigny, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2024
The Benefits of Arts Education for K-12 Students
The Benefits of Arts Education for K-12 Students
This article explores the value of focusing on art as a discipline.
Organization/Author: Andrew Warner, US News Article
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2022
Perspectives on Assessment of DLLs Development & Learning, Prek-Third Grade
Perspectives on Assessment of DLLs Development & Learning, Prek-Third Grade
The chronic academic underachievement of the DLL population across the nation, and their lower school readiness scores in mathematics and literacy at kindergarten entry clearly reveal the need for more effective assessment approaches that are linked to improved instruction for young DLLs. Linda Espinosa’s 2016 paper is organized around the following questions: 1) What are the important linguistic, cultural, and background factors to consider in the assessment of young DLLs? 2) What are the most appropriate methods for assessing young DLLs for certain purposes (e.g., instructional improvement and developmental screening)? 3) What technical considerations are required for testing DLLs? 4) What do teachers need to know about the valid assessment of young DLLs?
Organization/Author: Linda M Espinosa, Ph.D.
Type of Resource: Report
Publication Date: 2016
Observing, Planning, Guiding: How an Intentional Teacher Meets Standards through Play
Observing, Planning, Guiding: How an Intentional Teacher Meets Standards through Play
A kindergarten teacher explores how to use observation to plan and guide play, while meeting kindergarten standards.
Organization/Author: Patricia MckDonald, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2018
Assessment in Kindergarten: Meeting Children Where They Are
Assessment in Kindergarten: Meeting Children Where They Are
The role of intentional, authentic assessment in kindergarten classrooms is explored.
Organization/Author: Amy D. Blessing, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2019
Developing Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children: Seven Skills for School Success
It all begins with an idea.
Developing Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children: Seven Skills for School Success
This 60 minute edWebinar provides information, activities, and experiences that develop the seven skills children need in order to become successful learners. These include the ability to relate to and play with others, express feelings, and understand how others feel.
Organization/Author: Jody Martin, Frog Street
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2020
How to Navigate Early Childhood Assessment
How to Navigate Early Childhood Assessment
The goal of this paper is to support leaders in planning and reviewing their assessment implementations in the early grades. This paper will help readers to: 1) understand the ‘big ideas’ from early childhood thought leaders regarding assessment decisions; 2) discover what the research shows to be effective in terms of assessment in the early grades; and 3) come away with a clear sense of next steps to apply the research and best practices to an assessment planning process.
Organization/Author: NWEA
Type of Resource: Report
Publication Date: 2007
Early Childhood Assessment: Implementing Effective Practice: A Research-Based Guide to Inform Assessment Planning in the Early Grades
This paper will help readers understand the ‘big ideas’ early childhood thought leaders believe should guide assessment decisions for the youngest school-aged students (pre-kindergarten – 3rd Grade), discover what the research shows to be effective in terms of assessment in the early grades, and come away with a clear sense of next steps you can take to apply the research and best practices to your own assessment planning process.
Organization/Author: Northwest Evaluation Association
Type of Resource: Report
Publication Date: 2023
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