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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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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!

Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Nurturing Infants and Toddlers with Diverse Language Experiences

Link: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2020/rocking-and-rolling

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: Karen Nemeth, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2020

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 1, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Caring for the Mental Health of Infants and Toddlers

Link: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/spring2021/mental-health-infants-toddlers

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 L. Rescheke, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2021

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Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Standard 1 Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Standard 1 Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling: DAP in Action in an Infant-Toddler Setting

Link: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/spring2022/rocking-and-rolling

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,Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 6, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Communication Skills, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh Standard 6, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Communication Skills, Topic: Reflective Practices Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling: Using Materials Creatively to Enhance Toddler Learning Environments

Rocking and Rolling: Using Materials Creatively to Enhance Toddler Learning Environments

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: Erin Skaggs and Janelle Jamero, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2024

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Social Studies Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Social Studies Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Supporting Curiosity and Inquiry in Early Social Studies

Rocking and Rolling. Supporting Curiosity and Inquiry in Early Social Studies

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: Anna Falkner, Noreen Naseem Rodriquez, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2024

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Media and Technology for Our Littlest Learners: Guidance for Educators and Families on Choosing Appropriate High-Quality Content

Rocking and Rolling. Media and Technology for Our Littlest Learners: Guidance for Educators and Families on Choosing Appropriate High-Quality Content

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: Fashina Alade, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2023

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Resource Type: Article, Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics Kadisha Conteh Resource Type: Article, Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Nurturing Early Math Play and Discovery

Rocking and Rolling. Nurturing Early Math Play and Discovery

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: Rebecca Palakian, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling. Reading Aloud with Infants and Toddlers

Rocking and Rolling. Reading Aloud with Infants and Toddlers

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 Kisner & Rebecca Palakian, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2021

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling- Fostering Curiosity in Infants and Toddlers

Rocking and Rolling. Fostering Curiosity in Infants and Toddlers

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: Rebecca Palakian, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2020

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Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling- Building New Skills: Block Construction in Toddler Settings

Rocking and Rolling. Building New Skills: Block Construction in Toddler Settings

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: Rebecca Palakian, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2020

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Rocking and Rolling- Reading with Babies Matters!

Rocking and Rolling. Reading with Babies Matters!

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 and Rebecca Palakian,Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Handprint Turkeys, Step Aside: Embracing Process Art in Early Childhood Programs

Embracing Process Art in Preschool

This online article thoughtfully explores ways in which educators can make the shift from “product art” to developmentally appropriate “process art.” Key to the concepts presented is a reminder of questions educators should be asking themselves about their efforts in the classroom: What are you doing? Why? Who is it for?

Organization/Author:  Elizabeth Richards , Community PlayThings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2019

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Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 5, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: The Arts, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Inviting Creativity: The Teacher's Role in Art

Inviting Creativity: The Teacher's Role in Art

This article identifies and critiques teacher-directed, teacher-guided, and child-centered approaches and provides guidelines for determining the creative merits of an activity or approach to art.

Organization/Author:  Rober Schirrmacher, Community PlayThings

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2006

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Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Using a Universal Design for Learning Framework to Enhance Engagement in the Early Childhood Classroom

Using a Universal Design for Learning Framework to Enhance Engagement in the Early Childhood Classroom

This article from the Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship offers ideas for using UDL in inclusive settings that align with both NAEYC and DEC practices.

Organization/Author:  Marla J. Lohman, Katrina A. Hovey, and Ariane Gauvreau

Type of Resource: Article 

Publication Date: 2018

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Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Take a Look! Visual Supports for Learning

Take a Look! Visual Supports for Learning

With pictures and words, this article defines visual supports and shows how they help all children to understand rules and expectations, engage in daily routine, navigate transitions, communicate thoughts, feelings and needs, and increase independence in child care routines and activities. 

Organization/Author:  Bonnie Blagojevic, Mary Ellin Logue, V. Susan Bennett-Armistead, Billie Taylor, and Erika Neal, Teaching Young Children 

Type of Resource: Article 

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

Integrating Principles of Universal Design into the Early Childhood Curriculum

Integrating Principles of Universal Design into the Early Childhood Curriculum 

The authors offer examples and recommendations for how teachers of young children can support each young learner in diverse early learning settings by using Universal Design for Learning. 

Organization/Author:  Laurie A. Dinnebeil, Mary Boat, and Youlmi Bae, Dimensions of Early Childhood

Type of Resource: Article 

Publication Date: 2013

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Additional Resources

About the Resource Library &

The Professional Standards & Competencies for Early Childhood Educators