Welcome to the…
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
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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.
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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.
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!
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
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 Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2019
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 Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2020
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 Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2020
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 Kinsner and Rebecca Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2021
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 Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2022
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
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
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
Anecdotal Records Practical Strategies for Taking Meaningful Notes
Anecdotal Records Practical Strategies for Taking Meaningful Notes
An overview of formative and summative assessments is given. This article also discusses several ideas for recording useful anecdotal notes, including using abbreviations and focusing on specific tasks that children perform.
Organization/Author: Celeste C. Bates, Stephanie M. Madison, and Hayley J. Hoover, Spotlight in Young Children, Volume 2, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2023
Appropriate and Meaningful Assessment in Family-Centered Programs
Appropriate and Meaningful Assessment in Family-Centered Programs
This article discusses elements that make up continuous assessment, including ways teachers can collect, document, organize, and maintain information; the importance of reflecting on this information in collaboration with colleagues and families; and how to use this information for setting goals and planning for individual children and groups.
Organization/Author: James Elicker and Mary Benson McMullen, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2013
Ongoing Child Assessment to Support Learning
Ongoing Child Assessment to Support Learning
In this module, explore the ongoing child assessment process and its components: ongoing assessment cycle, observation and documentation, engaging families, and additional assessment considerations. It covers the basics of the assessment process, strategies to make the most of assessment to support learning, and some key considerations for planning and carrying out effective assessment, observation, and documentation. This module was developed for a variety of audiences, including education staff who work in preschool, infant/toddler, and home-based programs, as well as those who work in family child care. At the end of the module, users will be able to describe the basics of ongoing assessment and the strategies for effective implementation.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
Type of Resource: Module
Publication Date: 2020
Observing, Planning, Guiding: How an Intentional Teacher Meets Standards through Play
Observing, Planning, Guiding: How an Intentional Teacher Meets Standards through Play
A kindergarten teacher explores how to use observation to plan and guide play, while meeting kindergarten standards.
Organization/Author: Patricia MckDonald, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2018
Assessment in Kindergarten: Meeting Children Where They Are
Assessment in Kindergarten: Meeting Children Where They Are
The role of intentional, authentic assessment in kindergarten classrooms is explored.
Organization/Author: Amy D. Blessing, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2019
Quick and Easy Notes: Practical Strategies for Busy Teachers
Quick and Easy Notes: Practical Strategies for Busy Teachers
Teachers’ knowledge of each child helps them to plan appropriately challenging environments and activities that are tailored to the children’s strengths and needs. Assessing children regularly is essential to build that individualized knowledge—and to identify children who may benefit from more specialized supports. This article offers practical tips for you to engage in systematic, observation-based assessment by keeping anecdotal records on each child.
Organization/Author: Celeste C. Bates, Stephanie Madison Schenck, and Hayley J. Hoover, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2019
Using Observation to Guide Your Teaching
Using Observation to Guide Your Teaching
The role of observation is explored in this article, including using observations to adjust teaching strategies, design learning experiences, and to individualize instruction.
Organization/Author: Dawn Petitpas and Teresa K. Buchanan, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2022
Rocking and Rolling: Bringing Observation and Documentation to Life in Infant and Toddler Settings
Rocking and Rolling: Bringing Observation and Documentation to Life in Infant and Toddler Settings
This article discusses meaningful assessment in infant and toddler settings. The role of reflection, context, planning, screenings, formal assessments, and sharing assessment information with families are discussed.
Organization/Author: Rebecca Parlakian, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2023
Learning Stories: Observation, Reflection, and Narrative in Early Childhood Education
Learning Stories: Observation, Reflection, and Narrative in Early Childhood Education
This article examines the use of an observational approach in the form of Learning Stories, a narrative-based formative assessment created by New Zealand early childhood education leaders. By encouraging teachers to recognize children as competent explorers and learners at any given moment, Learning Stories provide a way to document children’s strengths and improve instruction based on the interests, talents, and expertise of children and their families (Carr & Lee 2012, 2019).
Organization/Author: Isauro M. Escamilla, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2021
Engaging Families of Multilingual Learners: Using Families’ Stories to Link Classroom Content with Children’s Funds of Knowledge
In this article, a teacher and research professor partener to investigate ways to increase family engagement and reflect their funds of knowledge in a preschool classroom. This article touches on uses technology as a family engagement strategy.
Organization/Author: Alexandra Figueras-Daniel and Bernice Vasquez, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2024
List of Early Learning Standards by State
It all begins with an idea.
List of Early Learning Standards by State
This is a list of the Early Learning Standards by State. Many of these, depending on how they are organized, include information on development in various domains and content areas, with suggested teaching strategies.
Organization/Author: Brightwheel
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2024
Additional Resources
