The document outlines six standards for early childhood education professionals. Standard 1 focuses on promoting child development and learning through understanding child characteristics, influences on development, and creating healthy learning environments. Standard 2 emphasizes building family and community relationships by understanding families/communities and involving them. Standard 3 is about observing, documenting, and assessing children to support development. Standard 4 is using developmentally appropriate approaches to connect with children and families through positive relationships. Standard 5 is applying content knowledge to create meaningful curricula. Standard 6 is becoming a professional through identifying with the field, upholding ethics, engaging in learning, and advocating for the profession.

1. The National Standards for Early Care and Education Professionals NAEYC 2009 http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/programStandards.pdf