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
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.
Start Your Search--Resource Library
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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!
The Important Role of the Teacher in Block Play: Supporting Deeper Engagement and Learning in the Block Area Video
https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/videos/the-important-role-of-the-teacher-in-block-play
What is the role of the adult in block play? Watch and listen as experienced educators from Bank Street, City & Country School, and Caltech discuss the important role of the teacher in supporting, scaffolding, and guiding block play.
Organization/Author: Community Playthings
Type of Resource: Video
Publication Date: unknown
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
Communicating with Clarity: Helping Children Understand the What, Why, and How of Their Learning
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/communicating-clarity
This article explores "clarity for learning," which helps children understand the what (goal), why (relevance), and how (success criteria) of their daily activities. It suggests that by using visuals, think-aloud modeling, and metacognitive questioning, educators empower children to take ownership of their learning and self-monitor their progress across play and academic tasks.
Organization/Author: Kateri Thunder, John T. Almarode, Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Alisha-Demchak, 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
From the Pages of TYC. Partnering with Families to Support Young Children’s Social and Emotional Development Through Picture Books
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2024/partnering-with-families
This article explores how educators can partner with families to use picture books as primary tools for nurturing social-emotional skills like empathy, self-regulation, and perseverance. It suggests that by providing lending libraries with discussion guides and hosting interactive literacy workshops, teachers help families navigate challenging topics while strengthening the parent-child bond.
Organization/Author: Alison Hooper, 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. Using Materials Creatively to Enhance Toddler Learning Environments
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/fall2024/rocking-and-rolling
This article highlights how educators boost toddler engagement by following children’s interests and using "loose parts"—low-cost, open-ended materials like nature finds and repurposed household items. It suggests that replacing expensive, single-use toys with versatile, family-donated materials fosters deeper problem-solving and agency while creating a sustainable learning space that is culturally reflective of a child’s home.
Organization/Author: Erin Skaggs and Janelle Jamero, 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
Innovations in Higher Education. Including Black Language in Early Childhood Education: Addressing Linguistic Diversity in Teacher Preparation
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/winter2024/including-black-language-ece
This article explores how teacher preparation programs can challenge "anti-Black linguistic racism" by teaching educators to value Black Language as a sophisticated, rule-governed system rather than "broken English." It suggests that by examining personal biases and learning the historical roots of the language, teachers can transition from correcting children to affirming their bilingual identity. This shift is presented as a critical step in creating equitable classrooms where African American children can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or unfair discipline.
Organization/Author: Taajah Witherspoon and Teaira McMurtry, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: Winter 2024
Topic of issue of YC: Creating and Supporting High-Quality Early Learning Programs
A Broader Concept of Family: Strategies for Welcoming Foster Families into Early Childhood Settings
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/winter2024/welcoming-foster-families
This article explores how teachers can better support children in foster care by building strong, respectful partnerships with their foster parents. It suggests moving away from traditional labels like "mom and dad" or rigid assignments like "family trees" in favor of more inclusive language and activities that welcome all types of caregivers. By focusing on open communication and honoring the unique roles of everyone involved, educators can create a stable and caring environment where every child feels they belong.
Organization/Author: Danielle Dushane and Ysaaca Axelrod, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: Winter 2024
Topic of issue of YC: Creating and Supporting High-Quality Early Learning Programs
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
Six Ways Educators Can Honor Home Languages
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2024/educators-can-honor-home-languages
This article explores practical ways educators can value and incorporate children's home languages into the classroom, even if the teachers are monolingual English speakers. It suggests that by engaging families, using multilingual greetings, and affirming home languages during play, educators create a more inclusive environment that strengthens a child's cultural identity. These strategies help build a caring community where diverse linguistic backgrounds are recognized as valuable assets to learning.
Organization/Author: Angele Sancho Passe, Teaching Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: Summer 2024
Topic of issue of TYC: Nurturing Multilingual Learners in Preschool
Assessing Agency in Learning Contexts: A First, Critical Step to Assessing Children
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/spring2023/assessing-agency
This article explores how children can only show their true intelligence and skills when they have "agency," or the freedom to make choices and lead their own activities. It suggests that instead of focusing primarily on testing and control, teachers can benefit from creating learning environments that encourage kids to move, talk, and solve problems together. By doing this, educators can move past personal biases and better recognize the full potential of every child.
Organization/Author: Natacha N. Jones, Amber T. Fowler, Jennifer Keys Adair, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: Spring 2023
Topic of issue of YC: Developmentally Appropriate Assessment Practices: Gathering, Understanding, and Using Information
Though select articles (like this one) are available for nonmembers, a complete edition of this NAEYC publication is available as a NAEYC member benefit through the membership portal.
Supporting Early Literacy Through Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Supporting Early Literacy Through Universal Design and Assistive Technology
Prepare to engage children with disabilities who are linguistically diverse in language and literacy development opportunities, with this set of practical tools and resources. Materials include presentation video, presentation slides, and related handouts.
Organization/Author: Head Start Center for Inclusion
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: Unknown
Building Executive Function Skills Through Games: The Power of Playful Learning
Building Executive Function Skills Through Games: The Power of Playful Learning
This article discusses the importance of executive function to children’s learning and development, exploring the connection between EF and playful learning through games.
Organization/Author: Cynthia A. Wiltshire and Molly Scott, Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2024
Child Development and Early Education-Field Experience: An Open Educational Resource (OER)
Child Development and Early Education-Field Experience: An Open Educational Resource (OER)
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 is a collection of Field Experience Skill Evaluation rubrics used to evaluate students in early childhood teacher preparation field experiences. A collection of field experience documents created to provide information and support to students, faculty, and community partners is also included.
Organization/Author: Lansing Community College Child Development and Early Education Program
Type of Resource: Open Educational Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2023
Accessible Learning Spaces: A Guide to Implementing Universal Design in Early Childhood Webinar
Accessible Learning Spaces: A Guide to Implementing Universal Design in Early Childhood Webinar
Whether you’re new to UDL or looking to deepen your understanding and practice, this edWebinar empowers you to unlock the potential of every child in your early learning environment. Prepare to transform your teaching and create a more inclusive, engaging, and effective environment. From designing flexible learning spaces to using technology to support diverse learners, you discover practical strategies and tips for implementing UDL in your classroom to increase student engagement and success. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Cindy Mudroch, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2024
Strategies to Increase Vocabulary in Young Children Webinar
Strategies to Increase Vocabulary in Young Children Webinar
This edWebinar identifies the most effective strategies for teaching vocabulary based on the research documented in the article “Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel” (2008) and supported by the book Early Childhood Literacy: The National Early Literacy Panel and Beyond (Shanahan & Lonigan, 2012). Viewers explore myths of vocabulary instruction and expand their knowledge of research-based practices, including tiered vocabulary instruction. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Claudia Castillo-Magallanez, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2024
A Multimodal Approach to Early Literacy with Fun Foundations Webinar
A Multimodal Approach to Early Literacy with Fun Foundations Webinar
This is an enriching edWebinar that explores an evidence-based approach to literacy instruction, integrating multiple modalities for optimal learning outcomes. Our expert presenters guide you through a dynamic and blended methodology designed to seamlessly infuse the Science of Reading into developmentally appropriate early learning experiences. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Joy Allcock and Meghann Hickey, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2023
A Child-Centered Approach for Inspiring Discovery and Learning in Pre-K Students Webinar
A Child-Centered Approach for Inspiring Discovery and Learning in Pre-K Students Webinar
This edWebinar explores how an innovative blend of play, hands-on experiences, direct instruction, and technology can enrich your teaching practices and provide developmentally appropriate, thematically integrated learning experiences. Kara Ball, author and Academic Officer at Teacher Created Materials, addresses the key elements of creating a safe and engaging preschool classroom where children learn through exploration, inquiry, and play. Note: registration is required to view webinar
Organization/Author: Kara Ball, edWeb Webinar
Type of Resource: Webinar
Publication Date: 2024
10 Effective DAP Teaching Strategies
10 Effective DAP Teaching Strategies
An infographic from NAEYC that gives ten effective strategies to individualize instruction.
Organization/Author: NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: Unknown
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