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
-
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
*
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!
Developing Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children: Seven Skills for School Success
It all begins with an idea.
Developing Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children: Seven Skills for School Success
This 60 minute edWebinar provides information, activities, and experiences that develop the seven skills children need in order to become successful learners. These include the ability to relate to and play with others, express feelings, and understand how others feel.
Organization/Author: Jody Martin, Frog Street
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2020
Crying and Laughing: The Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers
Link: https://media.edweb.net/edWebinar/?view=20201028edweb32
A 60 minute recording of an overview of the book, Crying and Laughing: the Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers.
Organization/Author: Dr. Donna Sasse Wittmer, Gryphon House Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2020
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
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
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
NAEYC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Position Statement (full document)
NAEYC’s Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Position Statement (full document)
This position statement, one of five foundational documents developed by NAEYC in collaboration with the early childhood profession to advance high-quality early learning for all young children, defines the term, “developmentally appropriate practice.” The definition emerges from a set of evidence-based core considerations and principles of child development and learning, all of which are explained in the principles section of this statement. To support educators’ use of developmentally appropriate practice, this statement also identifies guidelines for decision making in six key areas of responsibility that correspond to the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators.
Organization/Author: NAEYC
Type of Resource: Position Statement
Publication Date: 2020
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
Child Development: Brain Building
Links: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/school-readiness/article/child-development-brain-building
In this module, learn about children's brain building and development. Explore the following topics: Brain Building Basics, the Brain and Learning, and Stress and the Brain. Discover the process of typical brain development, the impact of the child’s environment, and how educators can support healthy development. This module was developed for a variety of audiences, including education staff who work in preschool, infant/toddler, home-based, and family child care programs. At the end of the module, users will be able to describe the areas of brain development and the strategies for its effective support.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: 2020
OER Textbook: Safety, Health, and Nutrition in Early Childhood Education
OER Textbook: Safety, Health, and Nutrition in Early Childhood Education
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 covers a broad range of topics related to health, safety, and physical development in the field of early childhood education.
Click here to learn more about the OER Collection from College of the Canyons.
Organization/Author: Jennfier Paris, College of the Canyons OER Collection
Type of Resource: Book, Open Educational Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2020
OER Textbook: The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
OER Textbook: The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education
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 covers a broad range of topics related to equity, diversity, and justice in the field of early childhood education.
Click here to learn more about the OER Collection from College of the Canyons.
Organization/Author: Krischa Esquivel, Emily Elam, Jennifer Paris, and Maricela Tafoya, College of the Canyons OER Collection
Type of Resource: Book, Open Educational Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2020
The Voices of Children Documentary
The Voices of Children Documentary
“The Voices of Children” is a short documentary film created by an international team of educators and filmmakers, including John Nimmo. The 23 minute film is a call to action to create a more inclusive and complex conception of human rights through listening to and observing young children in diverse contexts around the globe. The film is available to families, educators, advocates, and policy-makers as a provocation to reflect, dialogue and take action. A Facilitator’s Guide is available.
Organization/Author: World Forum Foundation
Type of Resource: Video
Publication Date: 2017
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
Planning for Individuality in Preschool Spaces
Planning for Individuality in Preschool Spaces
Children enter preschool with a variety of knowledge, experiences, and abilities. As part of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), early childhood educators are called to individualize their teaching strategies and curricula to meet these specific needs and contexts. This article explores what this looks like in practice.
Organization/Author: Jessica Grione-Hopkins and Christina Mirtes, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2024
Highly Individualized Teaching and Learning
Highly Individualized Teaching and Learning
This training series focuses on individualizing, including curriculum modifications and embedded learning.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: 2020
Supporting Individual Needs Video Collection
Supporting Individual Needs Video Collection
The videos and resources provide ideas and guidance on how to differentiate for student's unique needs and support their learning and development in the early childhood classroom.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Supporting Language and Literacy Video Collection
Supporting Language and Literacy Video Collection
The videos and resources below illustrate these and other strategies and ideas for supporting young children's language development and early literacy skills.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Supporting Children’s Physical Development Video Collection
Supporting Children’s Physical Development Video Collection
The videos and resources illustrate strategies and ideas for supporting young children's physical development.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Supporting Cognitive Development Video Collection
Supporting Cognitive Development Video Collection
The videos and resources illustrate the important role that early childhood providers play in supporting children's cognitive development.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Supporting Social and Emotional Development Video Collection
Supporting Social and Emotional Development Video Collection
The videos and resources below provide ideas and guidance in supporting children's healthy social and emotional development.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children
Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children
This handout series, developed with support from the LEGO Foundation, provides suggestions for games and play-based activities based on a child’s age. The activities for younger children are designed for adults to engage in with children. Activities for later ages allow the adults to step back, enabling children’s independence to blossom as they transition to playing more often with peers.
Organization/Author: Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University
Type of Resource: Toolkits
Publication Date: unknown
Additional Resources
