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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!
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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.
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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!
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
Innovations in Higher Education. Decolonization Is Not a Buzz Word: (Re)Envisioning Early Childhood Teacher Education Through Curriculum Design
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/decolonization-in-ece
In this article, the author explores the redesign of Erikson Institute’s teacher licensure program to challenge white-dominant narratives and address systemic inequities in early childhood education. It details how decolonizing pedagogies, such as land education and reflective identity assignments, are used to prepare educators to foster inclusive, just learning environments.
Organization/Author: Meghan L. Green, 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
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
Our Proud Heritage. Drawing on Women’s Expertise: Establishing the Bureau of Educational Experiments
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/fall2024/our-proud-heritage
This article explores the history of the Bureau of Educational Experiments (now Bank Street College), highlighting how a dedicated network of women transformed early childhood education through social reform and scientific observation. It suggests that by studying children’s play and interests—an approach called "learning from children"—educators can develop a curriculum that values student agency and connects learning to the "here and now." This legacy emphasizes the importance of professional collaboration and using a child’s own ideas to build a more equitable and engaging school experience.
Organization/Author: Jeroen Staring, 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
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
OER Textbook: Children, Families, Schools, and Communities
OER Textbook: Children, Families, Schools, and Communities
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.
Children, Families, Schools, and Communities is an introductory text in the field of Child and Family Studies. It provides a lens for understanding the evolving definition of “family”. It promotes strategies for culturally sustaining and deeply collaborative relationships. Children, Families, Schools, and Communities is an adapted OER text from Rebecca Laff’s and Wendy Ruiz’s "Child, Family, and Community.”
Organization/Author: Joan Giovannini
Type of Resource: Book, Open Education Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2023
NAEYC’s Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement Recommendations for Early Childhood Educators: (full document)
advancingequitypositionstatement.pdf
This position statement is one of five foundational documents NAEYC has developed in collaboration with the early childhood profession. With its specific focus on advancing equity in early childhood education, this statement complements and supports the other foundational documents that (1) define developmentally appropriate practice, (2) set professional standards and competencies for early childhood educators, (3) define the profession’s code of ethics, and (4) outline standards for early learning programs.
Organization/Author: NAEYC
Type of Resource: Position Statement
Publication Date: 2019
Understanding Implicit Bias and Its Role in Early Learning Environments Webinar
Understanding Implicit Bias and Its Role in Early Learning Environments Webinar
Racial inequities have long been present in our educational system. Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on the role of implicit bias in how programs discipline children, implement classroom practices, and establish teacher-child relationships. This session aims to support early childhood professionals in reducing implicit biases and using culturally responsive practices.
Organization/Author: Jen Neitzel, PhD, Megan Vinh, PhD, Ebonyse Mead, Division for Early Childhood at the Council for Exceptional Children (DEC)
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: unknown
Think Babies Website
Think Babies is a website created by Zero to Three to advocate for every baby on 5 key policy areas: paid leave, child care, Early Head Start, infant and early childhood mental health, family support, and economic security. The website outlines policy priorities, stories, and ways to take action.
Organization/Author: Think Babies, Zero to Three
Type of Resource: Website
Publication Date: Unknown
Commission for Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Commission for Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education
The goal of Commission for Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education is to advancing a unified, diverse, equitable, effective and well-compensated ECE profession. This website includes resources and useful information about the Commission.
Organization/Author: Commission for Professional Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Type of Resource: Website
Publication Date: unknown
Power to the Profession Website
Power to the Profession Website
This is a website which features the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession and various resources.
Organization/Author: NAEYC
Type of Resource: Website
Publication Date: unknown
Build Your Advocacy Skills
NAEYC has a section on their website dedicated to building advocacy skills. Various resources are linked.
Organization/Author: NAEYC
Type of Resource: Website
Publication Date: unknown
Build Your Public Policy Knowledge
Build Your Public Policy Knowledge
NAEYC has a section on their website dedicated to public policy. Various resources are linked.
Organization/Author: NAEYC
Type of Resource: Website
Publication Date: unknown
Reflections from the Field Video Series
Reflections from the Field Video Series
Interviews with teachers and providers about their experiences working with young children.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
OER Textbook: Introduction to Careers in Child Development
OER Textbook: Introduction to Careers in Child Development
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 is an academic and career exploration in the field of early childhood education and child development.
Organization/Author: Gloria San Jose Daims
Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Education Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2021
Early Childhood Policy Case Studies
Early Childhood Policy Case Studies
Early childhood policy case studies provide concrete examples of policy efforts, success factors, and ongoing implementation challenges in the field of early childhood. Cases can be used to enhance discussion in early childhood policy courses in higher education and to provide lessons for current policymakers in the field of early childhood. The ECP case studies explore topics including policy goals and outcomes, ECE funding, unintended consequences, implementation challenges, organizational dynamics, and tensions. These cases are based on articles and reports and interviews with diverse stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, implementers, and the beneficiaries of the policies.
Organization/Author: Early EdU Alliance
Type of Resource: Multimedia Case Studies with Instructor Guides
Publication Date: 2022
Becoming Your Best: Building Professional Competencies
Becoming Your Best: Building Professional Competencies
While the primary focus of your job as a teacher is educating and caring for young children, there’s growing momentum for teachers to take charge of their profession. I’ve gathered the following be-your-best ideas for busy teachers regarding competencies, professionalism, and support from my time as a teacher, an advocate, and a trainer (and continuous learner!) working with programs from coast to coast.
Organization/Author: Meghann Hickey, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2021
What Kind of Human Do you Want to Be? Teacher Identities in Anti-Bias Education
What Kind of Human Do you Want to Be? Teacher Identities in Anti-Bias Education
This article explores how the social identities of teachers shape their role as teachers, with children and families.
Organization/Author: Debbie LeeKeenan and John Nimmo, Child Care Exchange
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2021
Valuing Diversity: Developing a Deeper Understanding of All Young Children's Behavior
Valuing Diversity: Developing a Deeper Understanding of All Young Children's Behavior
A reflection on NAEYC’s position statement, Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education.
Organization/Author: Barbara Kaiser, Judy Sklar Rasminksy, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2019/2020
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