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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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 2, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

Behavior Management Module

Behavior Management Module

This module, a DEC-recommended resource, includes information on how to create developmentally appropriate behavior rules for early childhood classrooms so that they link to a given school's behavior expectations. The importance of communication with families about rules and expected behaviors is also stressed (est. completion time: 2 hours).

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Modules Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms Module 

Early Childhood Environments: Designing Effective Classrooms Module 

This multi-media module offers information on how to set up effective inclusive early childhood classroom environments for young children. It also provides details about the interrelated physical, social, and temporal components of those environments, as well as adaptations to help teachers meet the needs of children with disabilities (est. completion time: 1 hour).

Organization/Author: Iris Center, Vanderbilt Peabody College
Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Physical Education and Health and Safety, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Standard 5, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy, Topic: Content Knowledge: Mathematics, Topic: Content Knowledge: Science, Topic: Content Knowledge: Technology and Engineering, Topic: Content Knowledge: Physical Education and Health and Safety, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for 3-5 Years

Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for 3-5 Years

Explore best practices in early education of children ages 3 to 5 years. These twelve engaging, content-rich, video-based trainings are organized by topic. Take the online 45-minute self-paced version, or download the Facilitator’s Guide to lead family child-care and center-based educators in a 1.5–2 hour training. Topics include:

  • Creating the Learning Environment

  • Engaging Children in Meaningful Conversation

  • Integrating Media and Technology into Curriculum

  • Engaging Children in Math

  • Providing Developmentally Appropriate Learning

  • Individualizing Instruction

  • Honoring Diversity

  • Getting Families Involved

  • Building a Community of Readers and Writers

  • Leading Children in Hands-on Exploration

  • Engaging Children in STEM

  • Having Fun with Phonemic Awareness

Organization/Author: Massachusetts Department of Early Education (EEC)

Type of Resource: Trainings

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Training Kadisha Conteh

Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for Birth-33 Months

Brain Building in Process: Resources for Early Learning Set of Professional Development Trainings for Birth-33 Months

These five engaging, content-rich, video-based trainings are organized by age. Take the online 45-minute self-paced version, or download the Facilitator’s Guide to lead family child-care and center- and school-based educators in a 1.5–2 hour training. Topics include:

  • The Roots of Early Learning

  • Supporting Young Infants’ Learning

  • Supporting Older Infants’ Learning

  • Supporting Young Toddlers’ Learning

  • Supporting Older Toddlers’ Learning

Organization/Author: Massachusetts Department of Early Education (EEC)

Type of Resource: Trainings

Publication Date: Unknown

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Article, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies Kadisha Conteh

Fostering Engagement Within Inclusive Settings: The Role of the Physical-Social-Temporal Environment in Early Childhood Settings

Fostering Engagement Within Inclusive Settings: The Role of the Physical-Social-Temporal Environment in Early Childhood Settings

This article introduces three young children and their early learning environments, including their common routines and learning experiences. After introducing each child and learning situation, the authors identify research-supported modifications to the physical-social-temporal environment that their teachers used to build on a child’s interests, experiences, and strengths to support growth in particular areas. These modifications illuminate how early childhood educators in any setting can encourage more active child engagement and more inclusive contexts for learning.

Organization/Author: Alissa Rausch et. al, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2021

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Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Inclusion, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education, Resource Type: Position Statement Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Position Statement of DEC and NAEYC

Early Childhood Inclusion: A Joint Position Statement of DEC and NAEYC

The position statement contains a definition of early childhood inclusion and provides recommendations for families and professionals for improving early childhood services and policies with regards to inclusion.

Organization/Author: NAEYC and DEC

Type of Resource: Position Statement

Publication Date: 2009

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Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 3, Standard 4, Topic: Assessment Methods and Tools, Topic: Assessment Partnerships, Topic: Multilingual Learners, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Anti-bias Education, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Resource Type: Report Kadisha Conteh

Early Care and Education Environment Indicators and Elements of High-Quality Inclusion

Early Care and Education Environment Indicators and Elements of High-Quality Inclusion

There are 4 sets of Indicators of High Quality Inclusion (state, community, local program, and environments levels). This is the set for early care and education environments.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)

Type of Resource: Report

Publication Date: 2023

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Standard 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Play, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Resource Type: Article Kadisha Conteh

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting

The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting

This article is an excerpt from chapter 5 in Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8, Fourth Edition (NAEYC 2022). It explores the idea of playful learning.

Organization/Author: Jennfier M. Zosh et. al, Young Children, NAEYC

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 4, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Universal Design for Learning, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter Kadisha Conteh

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) OER Book Chapter

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) OER Book Chapter

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. 

An overview of UDL, including what it looks like in a preschool classroom.

Organization/Author: ECE: Diverse and Inclusive Practices in Nova Scotia

Type of Resource: Book Chapter, OER Textbook

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh

Let’s Dig Deep: Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)

Let’s Dig Deep: Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)

This video collection includes four videos (under 5 minutes, each) created by the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. All videos explore developmentally appropriate practice.

Organization/Author: Devereux Center for Resilient Children

Type of Resource: Videos

Publication Date: 2022

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Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Continuous Collaborative Learning, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh Standard 1, Standard 4, Standard 6, Topic: Reflective Practices, Topic: Continuous Collaborative Learning, Resource Type: Video Collection Kadisha Conteh

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

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Various, Topic: Universal Design for Learning Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Various, Topic: Universal Design for Learning Kadisha Conteh

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

This guide provides an overview of UDL, including tips for educators.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)

Type of Resource: Resources

Publication Date: 2024

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Standard 4, Topic: Curriculum, Standard 1, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Topic: Curriculum, Standard 1, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER), Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Relationships and Interactions Kadisha Conteh

OER Textbook: Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the Preschool Environment

OER Textbook: Implementing Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in the Preschool Environment

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  describes how to implement developmentally appropriate practices in an early childhood classroom.  It includes information on implementing standards, building relationships, supporting diverse learners, and creating curriculum.

Organization/Author: Joan Hayden and Laura Hutton

Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Educational Resource (OER)

Publication Date: 2021

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER) Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Book Chapter, Topic: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Topic: Play, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Curriculum, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Resource Type: Open Educational Resource (OER) Kadisha Conteh

OER Textbook: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

OER Textbook: Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children

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 includes 8 chapters that provide an overview of the history of the field of early childhood education, developmental theories, and the profession. In addition, observation, assessment, developmental ages and stages, curriculum basics, environments, and partnering with families are explored. 

Click here to learn more about the OER Collection from College of the Canyons.

Organization/Author: Cindy Stephens, Gina Peterson, Sharon Eyrich, and Jennifer Paris, College of the Canyons OER Collection

Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Educational Resource (OER)

Publication Date: 2020

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CONNECT Module 7: Tiered Instruction

CONNECT Module 7: Tiered Instruction

These modules are designed for faculty and professional development providers to use in their professional development. Instructor Guides, in the form of dashboards, are included. Students learn about how tiered instruction can be used to enhance learning and development in young children enrolled in early childhood centers and programs.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CONNECT Module 5: Assistive Technology 

CONNECT Module 5: Assistive Technology 

These modules are designed for faculty and professional development providers to use in their professional development. Instructor Guides, in the form of dashboards, are included. Students learn about the purpose, use and potential benefits of assistive technology interventions when working with young children.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CONNECT Module 1: Embedded Interventions

CONNECT Module 1: Embedded Interventions

These modules are designed for faculty and professional development providers to use in their professional development. Instructor Guides, in the form of dashboards, are included. Students learn about the practice of embedded interventions to help children participate in a variety of early learning opportunities and environments promoting high quality inclusion.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Early Childhood Special Education Kadisha Conteh

CARA’s Kit Online: Self-Guided Module -Creating Adaptations for Routines and Activities

CARA’s Kit Online: Self-Guided Module -Creating Adaptations for Routines and Activities

Access this learning module to explore each topic of CARA’s Kit, from the introduction to the process to example adaptations.

Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Teaching Skills and Strategies, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 6: Instruction

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 6: Instruction

In this module you will learn effective instructional practices and why intentional and systematic instruction is crucial for children with disabilities.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team Kadisha Conteh Standard 2, Standard 4, Resource Type: Modules, Topic: Partnership-building with Families, Topic: Community Partnerships and Resources, Topic: Relationships and Interactions, Topic: Aligned with DEC Recommended Practices, Topic: Children with Disabilities/Delays, Topic: Collaboration with Service Providers and other Members of the Team Kadisha Conteh

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 4: Teaming and Collaboration

Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 4: Teaming and Collaboration

In this module you will learn the components of teaming and collaboration and why teaming and collaboration amongst practitioners and families is crucial for children with disabilities.

Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices

Type of Resource: Module

Publication Date: unknown

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Additional Resources

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