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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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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, 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 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 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

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

How to Build Autonomy in Early Childhood Classrooms

How to Build Autonomy in Early Childhood Classrooms
This  video explores how establishing predictable routines and clear roles in preschool helps even the youngest students grow in their ability to make decisions, take on responsibilities, and accomplish tasks independently.

Organization/Author: Amanda Armstrong, Edutopia 
Type of Resource: Video

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

Cultivating Calm: Self-Regulation Strategies to Support Children with Big Emotions and Challenging Behaviors Webinar

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

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Partnership-building with Families Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Behavior Management Case Study

Early Childhood Behavior Management Case Study

This Case Study includes information on how to create developmentally and culturally appropriate classroom rules and how to effectively teach them. It also explores how to encourage appropriate behavior, address challenging behavior, and partner with families to address behavioral issues.

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

Behavior Management Module

Behavior Management Module

This module, a DEC-recommended resource, includes information on how to create developmentally appropriate behavior rules for early childhood classrooms so that they link to a given school's behavior expectations. The importance of communication with families about rules and expected behaviors is also stressed (est. completion time: 2 hours).

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh

Early Care and Education Environment Indicators and Elements of High-Quality Inclusion

Early Care and Education Environment Indicators and Elements of High-Quality Inclusion

There are 4 sets of Indicators of High Quality Inclusion (state, community, local program, and environments levels). This is the set for early care and education environments.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)

Type of Resource: Report

Publication Date: 2023

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

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting

This article is an excerpt from chapter 5 in Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8, Fourth Edition (NAEYC 2022). It explores the idea of playful learning.

Organization/Author: Jennfier M. Zosh et. al, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Continuous Collaborative Learning, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Continuous Collaborative Learning, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh

Let’s Dig Deep: Culturally Responsive (4 part video series)

Let’s Dig Deep: Culturally Responsive (4 part video series)

This video collection includes four videos (under 5 minutes, each) created by the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. All videos explore culturally responsive practices.

Organization/Author: Devereux Center for Resilient Children

Type of Resource: Videos

Publication Date: 2023

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Standard 4, Topic: Curriculum, Standard 1, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Curriculum, Standard 1, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

OER Textbook: Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the Preschool Environment

OER Textbook: Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the Preschool Environment

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 OER textbook  describes how to implement developmentally appropriate practices in an early childhood classroom.  It includes information on implementing standards, building relationships, supporting diverse learners, and creating curriculum.

Organization/Author: Joan Hayden and Laura Hutton

Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Educational Resource (OER)

Publication Date: 2021

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Additional Resources

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