Standards
EXAMINE THE CONCEPTS, IMPLICATIONS, AND THEORETICAL APPROACHES OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Generate resourceExplore influences on human development (e.g., environmental, psychological, cultural, genetic, and hereditary factors)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast child development theories and their implications (e.g., Piaget, Maslow, Vygotsky, Gardner, and Erikson)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast teaching approaches for early childhood education (i.e., Constructivist, Collaborative, Inquiry-Based Learning, etc.)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast various early childhood programs and their implications (e.g., Montessori, Reggio, and Head Start)
Generate resourceIdentify the developmental domains (e.g., physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language and communication)
Generate resourceExplore and identify current early brain development research and its applications (i.e., Daniel Siegel and the Mindful Awareness Research Center, pruning, influences of early experiences on brain development, structure of the brain, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify the family/guardianship role in the education of the child (i.e., primary support, create a home learning environment, encourage and support education, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify ways to involve the family in the education of the child for their overall development and well-being (i.e., educate families, provide multiple modes of communication, build relationships, etc.)
Generate resourceDiscuss a variety of strategies to welcome and engage all families (i.e., family conferences, parent night, home-school connections, special events, etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe components of effective family conversations in an early childhood setting (i.e., active listening, two-way communication, support and assist with homework and projects, etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe strategies to enhance community engagement (i.e., library, fire truck, field trips, family resources, etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe the appropriate informal (i.e., verbal updates, email or text messages, etc.) and written communication with family members (i.e., newsletters, handbooks, progress reports, etc.)
Generate resourceEXAMINE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE GUIDELINES, STANDARDS, AND PRACTICES TO MAXIMIZE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Generate resourceExplain how the Arizona Early Learning Standards may be used to guide the development of learning experiences and opportunities for preschoolers 3 to 5 years
Generate resourceExplain how the Arizona Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines may be used to guide the development of learning experiences and opportunities for young children birth to 36 months
Generate resourceExplain the content interconnection across the domains of learning as essential for developing a holistic and integrated approach to education (i.e., emergent, experimental and cooperative learning, exploration and extension of childâs interests, etc.)
Generate resourceDemonstrate culturally responsive practices in the classroom (i.e., seek to understand students and the community, family involvement and engagement, incorporate diversity in lesson planning, etc.)
Generate resourceExplain how the Arizona Academic Standards may be used to guide the development of learning experiences and opportunities for early elementary children in kindergarten through grade 3
Generate resourceDescribe developmentally appropriate practices as outlined by NAEYC (i.e., strengths-based, play-based approach, culturally, linguistically, and ability appropriate for each child, etc.)
Generate resourcePractice asking questions that prompt childrenâs thinking (e.g., why-, what if-, how-, opinion-, and other open ended-questions)
Generate resourceExplore ways to acknowledge and encourage childrenâs efforts and provide specific feedback that goes beyond simple acknowledgement and praise (i.e., eye contact, body language, listen, reflect, and react, etc.)
Generate resourceExplain how to create challenges and scaffold childrenâs experiences to support growth, development, and learning (i.e., ask prompting questions, make suggestions, build off prior knowledge, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify developmentally appropriate technological aids and media resources that align with childrenâs cognitive abilities and developmental stages to support learning (i.e., Empower Guidebook, NAEYC, AAP, etc.)
Generate resourceDiscuss instructional strategies to meet individual and group needs (i.e., 504 plan, gifted education, IEP, IFSP, RtI, UDL, ELL, etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe infant learning centers as an indoor or outdoor area of learning and playing, and select appropriate materials and equipment for development (i.e., spaces for group experiences, privacy, storage, and display; toys and materials that represent the cultures, interests, and learning goals; safe, diverse, and developmentally appropriate, equipment for care routines; etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe toddler learning centers as an indoor or outdoor area of learning and playing, and select appropriate materials and equipment for development (i.e., spaces for group experiences, privacy, storage, and display; toys and materials that represent the cultures, interests, and learning goals; safe, diverse, and developmentally appropriate, equipment for care routines; etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe preschool learning centers as an indoor or outdoor area of learning and playing, and select appropriate materials and equipment for development [i.e., spaces for group experiences, privacy, storage, and display; toys and materials that represent the cultures, interests, and learning goals; safe, diverse, and developmentally appropriate; common preschool learning centers (i.e., blocks, science, music, etc.)]
Generate resourceDescribe early elementary centers as an indoor or outdoor area of learning and playing, and select appropriate materials and equipment for development [e.g., Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM)]
Generate resourceDescribe how to set up an environment to facilitate planned and spontaneous indoor and outdoor activities (i.e., accessibility, room arrangement, spacing, etc.)
Generate resourceDevelop a daily schedule (i.e. predictable, routine, responsive and flexible schedules, etc.) that meets the learning and developmental needs of children and allows for teacherâinitiated and childâinitiated activities with limited transitions
Generate resourceRecognize environmental considerations for children with special needs (e.g., adaptive devices, accessibility, and sensory accommodations)
Generate resourceDescribe the basic components of a learning experience plan (e.g., learning objectives/goals, appropriate materials, and evaluation/assessment)
Generate resourceExamine creative fine artsâ experiences that nurture creativity and selfâexpression in dramatic play for infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., puppetry-uses and benefits, role-play stories and real-life experiences, etc.)
Generate resourceConduct a developmentally appropriate learning experience for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary age children
Generate resourceConduct a reflective evaluation of a learning experience including the mastery of objectives based on evaluation/assessment results (i.e., purposeful observation, connected standards or guidelines, support child learning, continuous improvement, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine opportunities or experiences that promote social/emotional development in infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., positive reinforcement, conflict resolution skills, cooperative learning, positive role modeling, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine social studiesâ concepts through everyday social and environmental interactions in infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., community engagement, global and environmental awareness, current events, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine learning opportunities or experiences that foster language and literacy development in infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., read-aloud, singing songs, phonemic and vocabulary activities, storytelling with puppets and props, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine handsâon mathematical learning opportunities or experiences that nurture the natural drive to explore and experiment with numbers, shapes, measurement, and patterns in infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., prior experience and knowledge, problem-solving and reasoning, active play and use of manipulatives, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine scienceâlearning opportunities or experiences for infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., hands-on activities, exploration, inquiry, discovery, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine learning opportunities or experiences that promote physical development in infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., safe environments that encourage physical exploration, equipment to create experiences promoting fine and gross motor skills, limited restrictive equipment, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine creative fine artsâ experiences that nurture creativity and selfâexpression in visual arts for infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., process rather than product, variation of tools, imagination, self-esteem, etc.)
Generate resourceExamine creative fine artsâ experiences that nurture creativity and selfâexpression in music and creative movement for infants, toddlers, preschool, and early elementary age children (i.e., cross-curricular use of music and movement, safe use and care of musical instruments, etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe techniques and strategies to encourage empathy, cooperation in play and learning including respect for the rights and property of self and others (e.g., model empathy, discuss emotions, and acknowledge feelings)
Generate resourceIdentify techniques to encourage children to identify, express, and regulate their emotions appropriately (i.e., read and interpret cues, model appropriate regulation of emotions, name feelings, observe behaviors behind the feelings, etc.)
Generate resourceModel problemâsolving and conflictâresolution skills with children (i.e., approach calmly, stop hurtful actions, acknowledge childâs feelings, gather information, restate the problem, discuss solutions, provide follow-up support, etc.)
Generate resourceIncorporate transition techniques to maximize learning (i.e., limit transitions, provide warnings, establish routines, plan ahead, use songs or chants, etc.)
Generate resourceRecognize behaviors in children that may require strength-based trauma-informed care (i.e., sudden change in behavior, eating poorly or sudden weight loss, nightmares, unusual amounts of crying or screaming, etc.)
Generate resourceExplain how a child's behavior may be affected by changes in their home, school, and community environment (i.e., continuity of care, socioeconomic and ecological factors, etc.)
Generate resourceExplain developmentally appropriate approaches to the positive guidance of young children (i.e., specify expectations and limitations, redirect behavior, model conflict-resolution skills, positive language, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify activities that demonstrate respect for culture, language, and individuality and create a caring community of learners (i.e., books, storytelling, role playing, songs, games, art, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify methods of documenting observations of young children to gain a comprehensive understanding of development, needs, and interests (i.e., checklists, running records, structured observations, etc.)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast subjective and objective documentation/statements (i.e., opinion vs. fact, description of observable actions, refrain from assumptions and judgment, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify various forms of data that can be utilized in observation and assessment (e.g., family information cards, anecdotal notes, and photographs)
Generate resourceExplain the role families and caregivers play in the observation and assessment process of young children to strengthen the partnership between home and school (i.e., provide background information, collaborative insight and concerns, advocacy, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify ways to use data to inform instructional and guidance practices and possible referral for formal evaluation (e.g., collect, analyze, and interpret)
Generate resourceObserve and record behavior and development by using various forms/tools for observation (i.e., anecdotal notes, developmental checklists, work samples, etc.)
Generate resourceEXAMINE PROFESSIONALISM AND LEGAL AND ETHICAL PRACTICES IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROFESSION
Generate resourceIdentify the qualifications, skills, and aptitudes needed to work with children (i.e., ADHS staff requirements, child development knowledge, strong communication skills, flexibility and understanding, creative ability, problem-solving skills, classroom management, compassion and empathy, etc.)
Generate resourceExplore career pathways (i.e., pediatric nursing, social work, child psychology, etc.) and requirements within the early childhood education profession (e.g., early childhood professional teacher certification)
Generate resourceDiscuss positive interpersonal behaviors with children, families, colleagues, and supervisors (i.e., two-way communication, collaboration, maintaining positive relationships, etc.)
Generate resourceDefine child abuse (e.g., abandonment, inability to control a child, suspected mental, physical, and/or sexual abuse) and neglect (e.g., physical, educational, emotional, and medical) as described in the Arizona Revised Statute (ARS 13â3623)
Generate resourceExplain state law in reporting suspected child abuse or neglect as presented in ARS 13â3620 (e.g., process and mandates)
Generate resourceIdentify confidentiality issues and strategies to handle them effectively (i.e., academic progress, behavior issues, child observations, abuse and neglect matters, etc.)
Generate resourceExplain the role of professional organizations in early childhood education (i.e., NAEYC, NAFCC, Council for Professional Recognition, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify the role and initiatives of state agencies that support the professionalism of early childhood educators (i.e., FTF, ADHS, DES, ADE, etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe the resources and benefits available through the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry (i.e., classes and trainings, annual licensing requirements, professional development, work experience, First Things First College Scholarships, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify the stages of prenatal development (e.g., germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages)
Generate resourceExplain the effect of genetic factors on prenatal development (i.e., chromosomal errors, genetic predispositions, etc.)
Generate resourceExplain the effect of maternal health, prenatal care (e.g., age, nutrition, existing medical conditions, environment, and regular medical checkups), and lifestyle choices (i.e., drugs, alcohol, smoking/vaping, etc.) on prenatal development
Generate resourceExplain the effect of environmental factors on prenatal development (i.e., pollutants, chemicals in pesticides and cleaning agents, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify causes of common birth defects (i.e., down syndrome, cleft lip/palate, cerebral palsy, etc.)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast characteristics of typical and atypical development in infants (e.g., physical and motor skills, cognitive, social, and emotional)
Generate resourceDescribe social development in infants (e.g., acquisition of skills and behaviors enabling interaction with others and understanding social cues)
Generate resourceDiscuss the emotional development of infants (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, expressing, and regulating emotions)
Generate resourceDescribe language and communication development in infants (e.g., verbal and nonverbal)
Generate resourceDescribe cognitive development in infants (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, processing, and organizing information about the world around them)
Generate resourceDescribe physical development in infants (e.g., rapid changes in size, strength, coordination, motor skills, and sensory abilities)
Generate resourceExplain how developmentally appropriate play impacts overall development of infants in each domain (e.g., social, emotional, language and communication, cognitive, and physical)
Generate resourceDescribe social development in toddlers (e.g., acquisition of skills and behaviors enabling interaction with others and understanding social cues)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast characteristics of typical and atypical development in toddlers (e.g., physical and motor skills, cognitive, social, and emotional)
Generate resourceDiscuss the emotional development of toddlers (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, expressing, and regulating emotions)
Generate resourceDescribe language and communication development in toddlers (e.g., verbal and nonverbal)
Generate resourceDescribe cognitive development in toddlers (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, processing, and organizing information about the world around them)
Generate resourceDescribe physical development in toddlers (e.g., motor skills, strength, coordination, and sensory abilities)
Generate resourceExplain how developmentally appropriate play impacts overall development of toddlers in each domain (e.g., social, emotional, language and communication, cognitive, and physical)
Generate resourceDescribe cognitive development in preschoolers (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, processing, and organizing information about the world around them)
Generate resourceDescribe language and communication development in preschoolers (e.g., verbal and nonverbal)
Generate resourceDiscuss the emotional development of preschoolers (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, expressing, and regulating emotions)
Generate resourceDescribe social development in preschoolers (e.g., acquisition of skills and behaviors enabling interaction with others and understanding social cues)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast characteristics of typical and atypical development in preschoolers (e.g., physical and motor skills, cognitive, social, and emotional)
Generate resourceDescribe physical development in preschoolers (e.g., motor skills, strength, coordination, and sensory abilities)
Generate resourceExplain how developmentally appropriate play impacts overall development of preschoolers in each domain (e.g., social, emotional, language and communication, cognitive, and physical)
Generate resourceDescribe language and communication development in early elementary age children (e.g., verbal and nonverbal)
Generate resourceCompare and contrast characteristics of typical and atypical development in early elementary age children (e.g., physical and motor skills, cognitive, social, and emotional)
Generate resourceDescribe social development in early elementary age children (e.g., acquisition of skills and behaviors enabling interaction with others and understanding social cues)
Generate resourceDiscuss the emotional development of early elementary age children (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, expressing, and regulating emotions)
Generate resourceDescribe cognitive development in early elementary age children (e.g., acquisition of skills related to understanding, processing, and organizing information about the world around them)
Generate resourceDescribe physical development in early elementary age children (e.g., motor skills, strength, coordination, and sensory abilities)
Generate resourceExplain how developmentally appropriate play impacts overall development of early elementary age children in each domain (e.g., social, emotional, language and communication, cognitive, and physical)
Generate resourceEXAMINE REGULATIONS, STANDARDS, AND GUIDELINES THAT PROMOTE HIGHQUALITY ENVIRONMENTS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Generate resourceIdentify different organizations/entities that regulate early childhood environments (e.g., Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Child Care Licensing Regulations and local fire departments)
Generate resourceIdentify voluntary options (i.e., accreditation, standards, guidelines, etc.) that promote high-quality in early childhood environments (i.e., DCC; NAEYC; NAFCC; NSACA; FTF; FTF Quality First; QRIS; Arizona Program Guidelines for High Quality Early Care and Education: Birth through Kindergarten; etc.)
Generate resourceExplain compliance with the Arizona Department of Health Services Bureau of Child Care Licensing Regulations (e.g., 10-Day Staff Training Checklist)
Generate resourceLocate and describe the state standards of early development and high-quality learning environments (e.g., Arizonaâs Early Learning Standards, Arizonaâs Infant and Toddler Developmental Guidelines, and Program Guidelines for High Quality Early Care and Education: Birth through Kindergarten)
Generate resourceDiscuss personal care procedures for children (e.g., diapering and toileting, napping and resting, feeding and eating, and care routines)
Generate resourceConstruct menus and food experiences that meet food and nutrition guidelines for young children (e.g., MyPlate, Empower Guidebook, and CACFP)
Generate resourceExplain the consequences of an unbalanced diet relating to childhood obesity and oral health (i.e., sedentary activities, chronic diseases, baby bottle tooth decay, etc.)
Generate resourceRecognize special dietary needs of children (i.e., food allergies, preferences, choking hazards, medical conditions, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify practices that promote safe food handling (i.e., handwashing before and during food preparation, proper food storage, food safety guidelines, personal hygiene, etc.)
Generate resourceExplain the purpose of food guides in accordance with snack and meal requirements (e.g., MyPlate, Empower Guidebook, and CACFP)
Generate resourceExplain how mealtimes can be used as learning opportunities to support childrenâs development in all domains (e.g., social and emotional; language and communication; physical; and sensory)
Generate resourceIdentify possible health and safety hazards (indoor and outdoor) of childcare environments (e.g., compliance with appropriate licensing regulations)
Generate resourceIdentify and wear appropriate clothing and shoes to ensure personal safety (i.e., closed-toe shoes, jewelry, etc.)
Generate resourcePromote physical well-being for children (i.e., conduct daily health checks, recognize abuse indicators, document injury and illness, etc.)
Generate resourceDescribe basic health practices and prevention procedures to reduce childhood illnesses and communicable diseases (e.g., safe food handling, handwashing, and cleaning and sanitation)
Generate resourceDescribe cleaning and sanitation procedures (i.e., maintaining the facility, equipment and materials, laundry and dishwashing procedures, etc.)
Generate resourceIdentify basic First Aid and CPR techniques for infants and children (i.e., bleeding, choking, sprains, fractures, poisoning, etc.)
Generate resourceImplement a plan for emergency procedures (i.e., evacuation, shelter in place, lockdown, etc.)
Generate resource