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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!

Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26 Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26

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

Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26 Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26

Toddlers as Investigators: Understanding Emergent Curriculum

https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/toddlers-as-investigators
This article defines emergent curriculum as a responsive approach where teachers use "active listening" and observation to turn toddler curiosities into learning opportunities. By moving away from predetermined scripts and toward child-led inquiries—like pouring, dumping, or mixing—educators foster autonomy and partner with toddlers in their rapid developmental growth.

Organization/Author: Melissa Pinkham, Community Playthings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: May 2023

Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26 Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26

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

Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26 Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26

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

Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26 Kadisha Conteh 4/10/26

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

Kadisha Conteh 4/7/26 Kadisha Conteh 4/7/26

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

Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25 Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25

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

Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25 Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25

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

Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25 Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25

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

Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25 Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25

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

Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25 Kadisha Conteh 3/2/25

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

Kadisha Conteh 2/12/25 Kadisha Conteh 2/12/25

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