1.1 Understands typical and atypical development and multiple factors that influence development from conception through infancy and early childhood
1.1 a. Understands the impact of physical health on children’s social, emotional, cognitive, language, and motor development
1.1 b. Recognizes the importance of fetal development and the connection to a child’s long-term health and development
1.1 e. Applies theories of growth, development, and learning into everyday practices
1.1 g. Recognizes signs of resilience in the child and family and works with the family to strengthen protective factors
1.1 h. Understands the impact of stress and trauma on a child’s development and supports families in reducing children’s exposure to stress
1.1 i. Applies relationship-based practices and family-centered practices to support the family in reducing risks that may negatively affect child health and development
1.2 Applies the process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation to support children's growth through developmentally appropriate practices
1.2 a. Understands the impact of physical health on children’s social, emotional, cognitive, language, and motor development
1.2 g. Recognizes signs of resilience in the child and family and works with the family to strengthen protective factors
1.2 k. Utilizes knowledge of child development and multiple factors influencing development while observing expectant parents, infants/toddlers, young children, and/or families
1.2 l. Applies current knowledge and theories about specific developmental delays, developmental disabilities, and risk factors to advocate on behalf of young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families
1.3 Encourages children's development of social and emotional skills
1.3 a. Understands and accepts children’s age-appropriate emotional responses (i.e., crying, tantrums)
1.3 f. Uses tone, words, and gestures to let children know they are respected
1.3 h. Recognizes children’s efforts rather than their accomplishments, intelligence, or personality
1.3 i. Recognizes when children show self-discipline and self-control
1.3 j. Finds ways to help children feel successful, identify and pursue interests, and develop a sense of personal identity
1.3 k. Uses empathy to help children recognize and understand their emotions
1.3 l. Helps children value their ethnic and cultural traditions, while respecting the views and experiences of others
1.3 m. Encourages children to value and appreciate each other’s strengths
1.3 n. Helps children build upon their strengths and work on their challenges
1.3 o. Models cooperative work and critical thinking skills to help children problem-solve and resolve conflict
1.3 q. Provides families with information and strategies to promote social and emotional development
1.4 Helps children achieve self-regulation and develop coping skills
1.4 a. Responds promptly to child’s immediate signals and needs
1.4 b. Provides opportunities for children to make meaningful choices
1.4 c. Understands the parent’s/caregiver’s role in supporting the child’s development of self-regulation
1.4 d. Encourages children to increase independence with self-help skills (i.e., eating, toileting, dressing)
1.4 e. Creates an environment and provides strategies that help children:
-Manage strong emotions and calm themselves
-Focus their attention to remain actively engaged with activities and materials
-Read the signals of the environment to learn how to respond appropriately
-Cope with fear, anger, and frustration
-Use language to share their needs
-Consider the needs of others
-Use problem-solving and conflict resolution strategies
1.4 f. Provides appropriate guidance to assist children in understanding the results of their actions
1.4 g. Recognizes that a child’s ability to exercise self-regulation and control over his/her body functions, emotions, and behavior emerges over time as a developmental process
5.1 Identifies practices that encourage positive health behaviors and support the physical and mental well-being of children and families
5.1 b. Provides intentional learning opportunities for children and families to understand the basics of healthy behaviors
5.1 e. Refers families to appropriate health care resources
5.1 h. Collaborates with other agencies and families to provide resources and support for healthy lifestyles
5.2 Understands the appropriate precautions and applicable procedures to ensure a safe learning environment
5.2 a. Follows current emergency procedures and safety practices
5.2 b. Observes and acts to avoid problems before they occur, adjusting supervision to meet different ages and abilities
5.2 e. Shares information with families and relevant staff about safe and appropriate activities according to the child’s stage of development
5.2 g. Provides intentional opportunities for children to learn the basics of safety practices through active learning activities
5.2 i. Reports or discusses safety concerns with appropriate staff and family and helps problem-solve and implement solutions
5.3 Understands the appropriate procedures for emergencies and injuries
5.3 a. Maintains and follows emergency preparedness plans including updated emergency contact information
5.3 b. Maintains a first aid kit and applies first aid in emergency situations
5.3 c. Recognizes the importance of including health and safety precautions in daily routines, drills, and emergency situations
5.3 d. Follows procedures for interacting with persons who pose security risks e. Reviews established emergency procedures and safety practices and updates, as necessary
5.4 Understands the impact of child abuse and neglect, substance abuse, and domestic violence on children and families
5.4 a. Recognizes signs and indicators of child abuse and neglect
5.4 b. Recognizes role as mandated reporter and follows programmatic procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect
5.4 c. Knows and follows state and federally mandated child abuse and neglect regulations
5.4 f. Provides families with positive discipline and coping strategies
5.4 g. Works with families to develop safety plans
5.4 j. Recognizes and understands the importance of increasing the protective factors that strengthen families and communities
6.1 Upholds all relevant ethical standards and professional guidelines
6.1 b. Understands and follows relevant regulatory and program licensing, certification and training requirements, and requirements of funders, if applicable
6.1 c. Obeys and upholds laws related to the rights and well-being of all children and families, including those with disabilities
6.1 f. Knows and practices the ethical responsibilities in the applicable code of ethical conduct (i.e., NAEYC, NASW, CEC/DEC) and recognizes the difference between ethics and personal values
6.1 g. Upholds standards of confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect for children, families, and colleagues
6.1 h. Uses relevant professional standards and guidelines to plan and implement experiences for children and families
6.2 Demonstrates dispositions necessary to effectively support children and families
6.2 b. Develops appropriate and positive relationships by engaging and responding to children, families, professionals, and community
6.2 d. Involves and works with others in planning, problem-solving, and implementing effective practices
6.2 f. Is able to tolerate stress and maintain a stable environment
6.3 Displays professionalism in practice
6.3 a. Recognizes that professionalism should be shown in all work settings, not just meetings
6.6 Advocates for children, families, and the early childhood profession
6.6 e. Promotes acceptance of individuals with disabilities and special needs as valued and contributing family and community members
6.6 g. Acts as a resource and advocates for community awareness of the current research and best practices impacting children and families
6.6 h. Understands that legislation and public policy at all levels impacts children, families, programs, and the early childhood profession
6.6 i. Understands how public policies are developed and uses strategies to influence public policy
6.6 j. Uses experiences and knowledge to inform and influence others about the needs of all children, families, and the profession
6.7 Collaborates among agencies
6.7 a. Sees oneself as a part of a professional community
6.7 b. Understands that children are best served through collaborations that impact children and families
6.7 c. Communicates the value of collaborative relationships with others e. Seeks out supports for children and families by accessing a variety of resources
6.7 h. Fosters effective relationships through a climate of trust and open communication within collaborative teams
