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Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Early Language and Literacy KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting language and literacy development in early learners from birth through age eight. Its focus is to support parents and caregivers in helping early learners with their language and literacy development, and teachers in enhancing their instruction for early learners from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

Task 1: Standards for Early Childhood Educators

Guideline: Each state has professional preparation and licensure standards for educators of early learners. Likewise, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has issued a position statement advocating ethical behavior for early learner educators as well as suggested standards for professional preparation. Educators interested in teaching early learners should be aware of the applicable requirements for the state where they wish to teach and the position statements advocated by NAEYC.

resources

GUIDELINES

 

2010 NAEYC Standards for Initial and Advanced Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs

This link to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website provides its 2010 standards for early childhood professional preparation programs.

 

Core Knowledge for PK - 3 Teaching: Ten Components of Effective Instruction

This link is to the Foundation for Child Development's pulbication outlining a suggested core knowledge for PK-3 teaching. As noted in its introduction, "Drawing on guidelines set forth by national education groups and the research that underlies them, this brief outlines what experts in the field identify as “core knowledge” for high-quality PK-3 teaching in the U.S. that is, what educators of children from Preschool through Grade Three must know and be able to do in order to be most effective in their work."

 

NAEYC Code of Conduct and Standard of Commitment

This link to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) website provides its position statement outlining a code of conduct and standard of commitment for those who work with young children. As noted at the NAEYC website, "The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a common basis for resolving the principal ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood care and education." Educators of early learners should be familiar with this suggested code of conduct. The website also provides a link to the Spanish version of this position statement as well as a supplements for early childhood program administrators and early childhood adult educators.

 

State Teacher Standards for Early Childhood Educators

This resource provides links to each state's standards for the preparation and certification of early childhood educators.

REFERENCES

 

Access to Effective Education and Professional Development for the Early Care and Education Workforce

This link is to professional development policy recommendations from the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE). The CSCCE is a program of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at the University of California, Berkeley.

 

Child Development Associate Credential

This link to the Council for Professional Recognition website provides information on the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. As noted at its website, "The Child Development Associate® (CDA) is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE."

 

Degrees in Context: Asking the Right Questions about Preparing Skilled and Effective Teachers Young of Children

This link to National Institute for Early Education Research's (NIEER) Preschool Policy Brief explores the effects of teacher preparation programs, support for ongoing learning, and workplace environment on teaching practice as it relates to teachers of young children.