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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!
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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!
Alliance for Childhood: Video Collection
Alliance for Childhood: Video Collection
A collection of videos on play, including:
playground NYC
Pop Up Play and Loose Parts
Family Play, Family Well-Being
Prescription for Play
Playwork: An Introduction
Wetlands and Wonder
Organization/Author: Alliance for Childhood
Type of Resource: Video Collection
Publication Date: Unknown
Alliance for Childhood: Publications and Reports
Alliance for Childhood: Publications and Reports
This includes various reports about play and children’s health, play and risk, play and loose parts, playwork, recess, and technology.
Organization/Author: Alliance for Childhood
Type of Resource: Reports
Publication Date: Unknown
Alliance for Childhood: Fact Sheets on Play
Alliance for Childhood: Fact Sheets on Play
The following fact sheets are included:
Twelve Key Types of Play
Playwork and Play
Time for Play, Every Day
When Kindergarten Testing is Out of Hand
Crisis in the Kindergarten
Outdoor Play for Children
Organization/Author: Alliance for Childhood
Type of Resource: Reports
Publication Date: Unknown
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
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
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
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
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
TED Talk: What do Babies Think
It all begins with an idea.
TED Talk: What do Babies Think
"Babies and young children are like the R&D division of the human species," says psychologist Alison Gopnik. Her research explores the sophisticated intelligence-gathering and decision-making that babies are really doing when they play.
Organization/Author: Alison Gopnik, TED Talk
Type of Resource: Video
Publication Date: 2011
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
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,Young Children, NAEYC
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2019
Supporting Play Video Collection
Supporting Play Video Collection
Research shows that play is central to young children's learning. During play, children use language, develop social skills, solve problems, practice motor tasks, and engage in creative thinking. Adults can support children's learning through play by using a number of strategies. The videos and resources provide ideas and guidance in supporting children's learning and development through play.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
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
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
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
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