The Core Body of Knowledge was revised in 2024 and will be adopted statewide in early 2026. The interactive competencies below reflect the prior edition, which remains in effect through the end of 2025. To view the 2024 edition of the Core Body of Knowledge, download the PDF:

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Welcome to the Core Body of Knowledge
New York State's Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators

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This resource outlines the knowledge, dispositions and skills required to work with young children. The Core Body of Knowledge offers a road map for building meaningful relationships with children, families and colleagues, for creating nurturing, stimulating environments, and for developing oneself as a professional in this incredibly important field. read more...

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  Core Beliefs

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  Area 1: Child Growth and Development

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  • 1.1: Cycle of Assessment and Planning
  • 1.2: Social and Emotional Development
  • 1.3: Self-regulation and Coping Skills
  • 1.4: Gross, Fine, Graphomotor Development
  • 1.5: Cognitive Development
  • 1.6: Language and Literacy Development
  • 1.7: English Language Learners
  • 1.8: Play to Encourage Development
  • 1.9: Special Needs Children and Families
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  Area 2: Family and Community Relationships

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  • 2.1: Respects Culture of Family
  • 2.2: Communication with Families
  • 2.3: Opportunities for Family to Engage with Children at School and Home
  • 2.4: Involves Family in Decision-Making
  • 2.5: Connects Families with Services
  • 2.6: Program Transition
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  Area 3: Observation and Assessment

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  • 3.1: Observation and Assessment Tools
  • 3.2: Assessment
  • 3.3: Partnership Building
  • 3.4: Reporting Results
  • 3.5: Plan and Modify Based on Assessment
  • 3.6: Evaluation and Reporting Procedures
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  Area 4: Environment and Curriculum

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  • 4.1: Relationships with Children
  • 4.2: Creates Environment Responsive to Children
  • 4.3: Addresses Challenging Behavior
  • 4.4: Inclusive Environment for Children
  • 4.5: Fosters Sense of Community
  • 4.6: Organized Learning Environment
  • 4.7: Physical Space Supports Self-management
  • 4.8: Sustains Active Engagement with Children
  • 4.9: MeaningfulCurriculum
  • 4.10: Uses Appropriate Technology and Media
  • 4.11: Helps Children Meet Developmental Goals
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  Area 5: Health, Safety, and Nutrition

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  • 5.1: Essential Training Topics
  • 5.2: Maintains Children's Health Records
  • 5.3: Follows Proper Regulatory Agency Procedure
  • 5.4: Takes Appropriate Health Precautions
  • 5.5: Encourages Positive Health Behaviors
  • 5.6: Ensure Safe Learning Environment
  • 5.7: Emergencies and Injuries
  • 5.8: Food Safety
  • 5.9: Mealtime Experience
  • 5.10: Nutrition Habits
  • 5.11: Communicate Nutrition with Families
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  Area 6: Professionalism and Leadership

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  • 6.1: Ethical Standards
  • 6.2: Effective Disposition with Young Children and Families
  • 6.3: Professionalism
  • 6.4: Commitment to Growth and Learning
  • 6.5: Classroom and Program Leadership
  • 6.6: Early Childhood Advocate
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  Area 7: Administration and Management

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  • 7.1: Management Policies and Procedures
  • 7.2: Adheres to NYS and Local Regulations
  • 7.3: Personnel Policies and Procedures
  • 7.4: Financial Planning and Management
  • 7.5: Promotes Program Partnerships with Families