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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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!
Textbook Chapter, Diverse Family Structures from OER textbook, Infant and Toddler Development
It all begins with an idea.
Textbook Chapter, Diverse Family Structures from OER textbook, Infant and Toddler Development
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.
In this chapter of an OER Infant and Toddler textbook, read about diverse family structures as well as terms that help to build a culture of inclusivity and equity.
Organization/Author: Krischa Esquivel, Emily Elam, Jennifer Paris, and Maricela Tafoya, College of the Canyons OER Collection
Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Educational Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2019
Infant Mental Health and Cultural Competence
It all begins with an idea.
Infant Mental Health and Cultural Competence
In this article, learn tips for promoting cultural competence among early childhood staff.
Organization: Zero to Three
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2016
Textbook Chapter, The Importance of Culture from OER textbook, Infant and Toddler Development
It all begins with an idea.
Textbook Chapter, The Importance of Culture from OER textbook, Infant and Toddler Development
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.
In this chapter of an OER Infant and Toddler textbook, read about culture, how culture is passed, and how knowing about culture can help educators be responsive to children and families.
Organization/Author: Krischa Esquivel, Emily Elam, Jennifer Paris, and Maricela Tafoya, College of the Canyons OER Collection
Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Educational Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2019
National Center on Parents, Family & Community Engagement (lots of resources)
It all begins with an idea.
National Center on Parents, Family & Community Engagement (lots of resources)
A comprehensive set of parent, family, and community engagement resources.
Organization/Author: National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
Type of Resource: website
Publication Date: unknown
Engaging Families with Video at Parent Teacher Conferences
It all begins with an idea.
Engaging Families with Video at Parent Teacher Conferences (Results Matter Video Library)
This 7:48 minute video describes and gives examples of how to engage families with video at a family conference.
Organization/Author: Results Matter Video Library, Colorado Department of Education
Type of Resource: video
Publication Date: unknown
Cultural Perspectives in Caregiving: Applying Relationship-Based Practices
It all begins with an idea.
Cultural Perspectives in Caregiving: Applying Relationship-Based Practices
(National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement)
A set of three short vignettes and related reflection questions for staff, managers, and program leaders. Each scenario describes situations similar to those that arise during day-to-day interactions in Head Start and Early Head Start settings. The scenarios demonstrate the use of relationship-based practices in interactions with families.
Organization/Author: National Center on Parent, Family, and Community Engagement
Type of Resource: Scenarios
Publication Date: unknown
The ABCs of Diversity and Inclusion: Developing an Inclusive Environment for Diverse Families in Early Childhood Education
It all begins with an idea.
Early childhood education is a time when children and their parents are learning about their roles in a school. This makes early childhood education a crucial time for developing strong parent–school relationships with diverse families including LGBTQ parents, adoptive families, and multiracial families. This article gives specific, concrete suggestions about how to build and maintain a welcoming, representative, and inclusive environment for diverse families in schools.
Organization/Author: Zero to Three
Type of Resource: Article
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
Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns
Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns
This FREE, online training course, Watch Me! Celebrating Milestones and Sharing Concerns, helps you fulfill this role by providing tools and best practices for monitoring the development of children in your care and talking about it with their parents.
This 1-hour, 4-module course focuses on:
Why monitoring children’s development is important
Why you have a unique and important role in developmental monitoring
How to easily monitor each child’s developmental milestones
How to talk with parents about their child’s development
Organization/Author: CDC
Type of Resource: Training
Publication Date: 2024
Additional Resources
