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
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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.
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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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 3: Environment
Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 3: Environment
In this module you will learn the components of a child’s natural and inclusive environment and why attending to the environment is crucial for children with disabilities.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices
Type of Resource: Module
Publication Date: unknown
Early Childhood Recommended Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 1: Interaction
Early Childhood Recommended Early Childhood Recommended Practice Module 1: Interaction
This module will help you learn to support children’s learning and development through quality adult-child and child-child interactions. Lesson 1 provides a summary of the research on interaction by Dr. Jeanette McCollum. In lessons 2 and 3, nonverbal and verbal cues, behaviors and interests of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will be described. You will learn how observing children's behavior is critical in helping you interpret and provide responsive interaction with children. You will also practice using observation of a child's behavior to identify and interpret the child's interests, abilities, and emotions by watching and thinking about several video illustrations. Lesson 4 shares “Voices from the Field”, where practitioners and family leaders share their expertise and perspectives on interaction.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Recommended Practices
Type of Resource: Module
Publication Date: unknown
ECTA Practice Improvement Tools: Instruction
ECTA Practice Improvement Tools: Instruction
Instructional practices are a cornerstone of early intervention and early childhood special education. Teachers, other practitioners, family members, and other caregivers use instructional practices to maximize learning and improve developmental and functional outcomes for young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays/disabilities.This set includes instruction checklists, instruction guides for practitioners, and instruction practice guides for families.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Type of Resource: Toolkits
Publication Date: various
ECTA Practice Improvement Tools: Interaction
ECTA Practice Improvement Tools: Interaction
Sensitive and responsive interactional practices are the foundation for promoting the development of a child's language and cognitive and emotional competence. These interactional practices are the basis for fostering all children's learning. For children who have or are at risk for developmental delays/disabilities, they represent a critical set of strategies for fostering children's social-emotional competence, communication, cognitive development, problem-solving, autonomy, and persistence. This set includes interaction checklists, interaction guides for practitioners, and interaction practice guides for families.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
Type of Resource: Toolkits
Publication Date: various
Meaningful Makeover
Research shows that small changes to a classroom can make a big impact on a child’s learning. Need some ideas to create a more engaging early learning environment? Meaningful Makeover is a web series created and produced by Gail Joseph, PhD, founding director of Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington. This series for educators and early learning providers offers tips, visuals, and inexpensive solutions that transform environments. It promotes learning opportunities, greater accessibility, and engagement. Each episode highlights simple improvements that are easy to make. Watch our educational environment experts as they team up with providers to show the secrets and science behind the most impactful early learning spaces.
Organization/Author: Gail Joseph, Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
Type of Resource: Video and Resources
Publication Date: 2024
Inclusion of Children with Disabilities Training Guide
Inclusion of Children with Disabilities Training Guide
The Inclusion of Children with Disabilities: Training Guide is designed to strengthen the inclusion of young children with disabilities and their families in programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
The guide features four modules, each containing a facilitator’s guide, training scripts, handouts, and videos. The modules are:
Including Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities
Building Relationships with Families
Collaboration and Teaming
Preschool Inclusion Series
The training materials can be used in a variety of professional development settings. They can also help service providers and parents plan together to increase opportunities for inclusion in their communities.
Organization/Author: Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
Type of Resource: Video and Facilitator’s Guide
Publication Date: 2024
Head Start Center for Inclusion
Head Start Center for Inclusion
A variety of resources that support early childhood educators to ensure that children with disabilities can participate as full members of their learning communities.
Organization/Author: Head Start Center for Inclusion
Type of Resource: website
Publication Date: Unknown
Circle Time Magazine: Inclusion
Circle Time Magazine: Inclusion
Circle Time Magazine is a unique early childhood professional development series that offers a web-based talk show, magazine, and online resources with each episode. This season is all about inclusion. Learn about the services that support children with disabilities, gain an understanding of what inclusion means, and learn strategies for making inclusion happen successfully through planning. You’ll also see easy modifications to increase access and participation and learn ways to facilitate friendships between peers. Check out the short video below for an enticing sample of what you can expect this season.
Organization/Author: Circle Time Magazine, Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
Type of Resource: Web-based Talk Show, Magazine, and Online Resources
Publication Date: Unknown
Circle Time Magazine: Positive Behavior Support
Circle Time Magazine: Positive Behavior Support
This is the second season of Circle Time Magazine (CTM); a unique professional development series that offers a web-based talk show, magazine, and online resources with each episodes. This season addresses key PBS practices that promote children’s healthy social and emotional development and increase positive behavior. Learn about the fundamental importance of building trusting relationships and designing supportive environments, gain strategies for improving children’s emotional literacy and problem-solving skills, and increase your ability to provide intensive support for children with ongoing or severe behavior.
Organization/Author: Circle Time Magazine, Cultivate Learning, University of Washington
Type of Resource: Web-based Talk Show, Magazine, and Online Resources
Publication Date: Unknown
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