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!
OER Textbook: Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education
OER Textbook: Introduction to Curriculum for 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 describes how to develop curriculum for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Multiple content areas are addressed.
Click here to learn more about the OER Collection from College of the Canyons.
Organization/Author: Kristin Beeve and Jennifer Paris, College of the Canyons OER Collection
Type of Resource: Book Chapter, Open Educational Resource (OER)
Publication Date: 2020
CONNECT Module 6: Dialogic Reading Practices
CONNECT Module 6: Dialogic Reading Practices
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 dialogic reading practices when working with young children.
Organization/Author: CONNECT: The Center to Mobilize Early Childhood Knowledge and DEC
Type of Resource: Module
Publication Date: unknown
Creative Arts with Young Children Video Collection
Creative Arts with Young Children Video Collection
The videos and resources illustrate strategies and ideas for supporting young children's developing interest in and understanding of science.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Science with Young Children Video Collection
Science with Young Children Video Collection
The videos and resources illustrate strategies and ideas for supporting young children's developing interest in and understanding of science.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Circle Time Magazine: Season 1- Math Edition
Circle Time Magazine: Season 1-Math Edition
Circle Time Magazine is a professional development web series for early childhood educators created and produced by Gail Joseph, PhD, founding director of Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington. Join our hosts as they discuss topics related to the work you do with young children every day. Each episode features guests sharing tips and expertise, trying out materials, highlighting their favorite books, and showing video examples so you can see learning in action. Season 1 includes videos and an e-magazine with four episodes focusing on preschool math.
Organization/Author: Circle Time Magazine, Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
Type of Resource: Web-based Talk Show, Magazine, and Online Resources
Publication Date: unknown
Mathematics with Young Children Video Collection
Mathematics with Young Children Video Collection
The videos and resources illustrate strategies and ideas for supporting children's early mathematical development.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection with Reflection Questions
Publication Date: unknown
Investigations Curriculum Videos Series
Investigations Curriculum Videos Series
Investigations is the curriculum used by Eastern's Child and Family Development Resource Center (CFDRC). The curriculum was developed by CFDRC teachers and administrators in partnership with Dr. Jeffrey Trawick-Smith. The curriculum is centered around engaging projects - called "investigations" - on topics that are selected by children, teachers, and families. As children investigate a topic in learning centers, small collaborative groups, whole group activities, movement and music experiences, outdoor observation, or field trips, they acquire critical competencies. Videos include interviews with preschool and toddler teachers about how children engaged in literacy, math, science, art, and other activities through the three- or four-month investigation.
Organization/Author: Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut University
Type of Resource: Video Collection
Publication Date: unknown
Using a Universal Design for Learning Framework to Enhance Engagement in the Early Childhood Classroom
This article from the Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship offers ideas for using UDL in inclusive settings that align with both NAEYC and DEC practices.
Organization/Author: Marla J. Lohman, Katrina A. Hovey, and Ariane Gauvreau
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2018
Take a Look! Visual Supports for Learning
Take a Look! Visual Supports for Learning
With pictures and words, this article defines visual supports and shows how they help all children to understand rules and expectations, engage in daily routine, navigate transitions, communicate thoughts, feelings and needs, and increase independence in child care routines and activities.
Organization/Author: Bonnie Blagojevic, Mary Ellin Logue, V. Susan Bennett-Armistead, Billie Taylor, and Erika Neal, Teaching Young Children
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: unknown
Integrating Principles of Universal Design into the Early Childhood Curriculum
Integrating Principles of Universal Design into the Early Childhood Curriculum
The authors offer examples and recommendations for how teachers of young children can support each young learner in diverse early learning settings by using Universal Design for Learning.
Organization/Author: Laurie A. Dinnebeil, Mary Boat, and Youlmi Bae, Dimensions of Early Childhood
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2013
DEC Recommended Practices in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education 2014
DEC Recommended Practices in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education 2014
The DEC Recommended Practices highlight those practices specifically known to promote the outcomes of young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays/disabilities and to support their families in accordance with the DEC/NAEYC (2009) position statement on early childhood inclusion. Universal Design for Learning principles are specifically highlighted as a practice to create accessible environments (E1).
Organization/Author: Division for Early Childhood Education
Type of Resource: Recommended Practices
Publication Date: 2014
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
It Can Be Done! Strategies for Embedding Anti-bias Education into Daily Programming
It Can Be Done! Strategies for Embedding Anti-bias Education into Daily Programming
This article focuses on short and long term strategies that educators can use to bring the four goals of anti-bias education to the classroom.
Organization/Author: Debbie LeeKeenan and Betty Allen
Type of Resource: Article
Publication Date: 2017
Authentic Assessment in Early Intervention (0-3)
Authentic Assessment in Early Intervention (0-3)
This module provides an overview of authentic assessment in early intervention including what it is and why it is important. Individuals who complete this module will have an understanding of who participates in authentic assessment, where it may happen, when it can be done, and within what early intervention processes it can occur. The module includes links to a variety of tools and resources.
Organization/Author: Universal Online Part C EI Curriculum
Type of Resource: Module
Publication Date: 2020
Authentic Assessment in Early Intervention (0-3)
Authentic Assessment in Early Intervention (0-3)
Physical therapist Megan Klish Fibbe describes and illustrates how authentic assessment practices enhance her early intervention work with children and their families, including the use of observation, conversations with families, and video.
Organization/Author: Results Matter Video Library, Colorado Department of Education
Type of Resource: video
Publication Date: unknown
How to Navigate Early Childhood Assessment
How to Navigate Early Childhood Assessment
The goal of this paper is to support leaders in planning and reviewing their assessment implementations in the early grades. This paper will help readers to: 1) understand the ‘big ideas’ from early childhood thought leaders regarding assessment decisions; 2) discover what the research shows to be effective in terms of assessment in the early grades; and 3) come away with a clear sense of next steps to apply the research and best practices to an assessment planning process.
Organization/Author: NWEA
Type of Resource: Report
Publication Date: 2007
Promoting Positive Outcomes for Children with Disabilities: Recommendations for Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation
The Division for Early Childhood developed this document be read and used in conjunction with the NAEYC-NAECS/SDE position statement (Early Childhood Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation: Building an Effective, Accountable System in Programs for Children), which puts forth general recommendations and guidance intended to apply practices for all young children, including those with disabilities. The recommendations in this document are not alternatives, nor do they contradict the NAEYC-NAECS/SDE recommendations. Rather, they extend, more specifically apply, and further explicate the recommendations in the more general position statement. By reading and implementing both sets of recommendations, practitioners and policy makers will have the benefit of complementary perspectives and expertise.
Organization/Author: Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
Type of Resource: Position Statement
Publication Date: 2007
Early Childhood Assessment: Why, What, and How
Early Childhood Assessment: Why, What, and How
This downloadable book identifies the important outcomes for children from birth to age 5 and the quality and purposes of different techniques and instruments for developmental assessments. Individual chapters address screening, measuring quality in early childhood environments, and assessing all children, which includes those who are dual language learners.
Organization/Author: National Research Council; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Board on Children, Youth, and Families; Board on Testing and Assessment; Committee on Developmental Outcomes and Assessments for Young Children; Catherine E. Snow and Susan B. Van Hemel, Editors
Type of Resource: ebook
Publication Date: 2008
Early Childhood Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation: Building an Effective, Accountable System in Programs for Children Birth through Age Eight
What should children be taught in the years from birth through age eight? How would we know if they are developing well and learning what we want them to learn? And how could we decide whether programs for children from infancy through the primary grades are doing a good job? Answers to these questions are the foundation of this joint position statement.
Organization/Author: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education (NAECS/SDE)
Type of Resource: Position Statement
Publication Date: 2003
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
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