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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

  • 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.

  • 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!

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Think, Try, Fix, Share Inclusive Engineering with Young Children Using Universal Design Webinar

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

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NAEYC Resources about Technology and Media

NAEYC Resources about Technology and Media

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC about technology and media, including resources for teachers and families.

Organization/Author: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Type of Resource: Articles

Publication Date: Various

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NAEYC Resources about STEM

NAEYC Resources about STEM

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC about STEM learning.

Organization/Author: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Type of Resource: Articles

Publication Date: Various

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NAEYC Resources about Literacy

NAEYC Resources about Literacy

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC that include topics such as Developmentally Appropriate Approaches to Literacy and Literacy-related resources to share with families.

Organization/Author: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Type of Resource: Articles

Publication Date: Various

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NAEYC Resources about Math

NAEYC Resources about Math

Explore this collection of articles and blog posts from NAEYC that include topics such as Playful Math Learning at School, How Children Learn and Understand Math, and Math Ideas for Families.

Organization/Author: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Type of Resource: Articles

Publication Date: Various

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National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Position Statement-Mathematics in Early Childhood Learning

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Position Statement-Mathematics in Early Childhood Learning


National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) outlines their position on mathematics in early learning.

Organization/Author: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) 
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2022

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National Science Teaching Association: Position Statement-Early Childhood Science Education

National Science Teaching Association: Position Statement-Early Childhood Science Education


The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Position Statement on Early Childhood Science Education.

Organization/Author: National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) 
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2013

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Literacy Leadership Brief: What Effective Pre-K Literacy Looks Like

Literacy Leadership Brief: What Effective Pre-K Literacy Looks Like


A literacy leadership brief that outlines strategies for building literacy skills in the early years and policy recommendations for early literacy achievement.

Organization/Author: International Literacy Association
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2018

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Position Statement and Research Brief: Phonological Awareness in Early Childhood Literacy Development

Position Statement and Research Brief: Phonological Awareness in Early Childhood Literacy Development


The International Literacy Association outlines how phonological awareness develops, why it is important, and guidelines for practitioners

Organization/Author: International Literacy Association
Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2019

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What to Expect in Social Studies

What to Expect in Social Studies

Different learning experiences to bring social studies into the classroom.

Organization/Author: Diana Townsend-Butterworth, Great Schools Blog
Type of Resource: Blog

Publication Date: 2024

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Hitting the Road With Social Studies

Hitting the Road With Social Studies

This article embraces the concepts of social studies through human, physical, and environment geography in the early years.

Organization/Author: Clarissa Martínez, Dual-Language Content Manager, Teaching Strategies
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Video: Four Boys Talk About a Garbage Truck

Video: Four Boys Talk About a Garbage Truck

During choice time, four boys watch a video of a recent visit by sanitation workers and talk about their experience. Produced by Results Matter, Colorado Department of Education.

Organization/Author: Results Matter, Colorado Department of Education
Type of Resource: Video

Publication Date: 2021

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National Council for the Social Studies: Early Childhood in the Social Studies Context

National Council for the Social Studies: Early Childhood in the Social Studies Context

The National Council for Social Studies provides a set of guidelines related to social studies.

Organization/Author: National Council for Social Studies
Type of Resource: Position Statements

Publication Date: 2019

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Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development

Rocking and Rolling. Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development

Rocking and Rolling, edited by Rebecca Parlakian and her colleagues from ZERO to THREE, focuses on supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. Each column offers instructional insights and suggestions that are grounded in research yet presented through real-life examples.

Organization/Author: Kathy Kinsner, NAEYC 
Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators