Purpose:
To articulate factors that promote development and learning in children up to age 8.
Key elements:
• 1a (I and A): An early-childhood educator should have knowledge and appreciation of the characteristics that are common to young children as well a solid grounding in the needs of children in this age group.
• 1b (I and A): An early-childhood educator should have knowledge and appreciation of the many diverse factors that influence children’s early development and ability to learn.
• 1c (I and A): An early-childhood educator should apply what they learn about development and learning in young children to ensure that the learning environments they create embody and promote health and respect, as well as provide ongoing support and appropriate challenge for students.

Purpose:
To outline factors that help an early-childhood educator foster positive relationships within and between families and communities.
Key elements:
• 2a (I and A): An early-childhood educator should have knowledge and appreciation of the many factors that contribute to family and community dynamics.
• 2b (I and A): An early-childhood educator should foster relationships of respect and mutuality within and between families and communities through support and active engagement.
• 2c (I): An early-childhood educator should foster the development and education of young children by promoting family and community involvement.

Purpose:
To articulate the knowledge an early-childhood educator needs to ensure appropriate assessment of students.
Key elements:
• 3a (I and A): An early-childhood educator should appreciate what assessment seeks to achieve, why it is beneficial, and how it can best be utilized. This applies equally in establishing desired outcomes, developing sound curricula, and utilizing appropriate strategies in the education of young children.
• 3b (I): An early-childhood educator should appreciate the usefulness of developing relationships with families and colleagues that focus on assessing a child’s learning and development because doing so promotes optimal learning environments.

Purpose:
To outline factors that promote teaching approaches that are appropriate to a child’s stage of development.
Key elements:
• 4a (I and A): An early-childhood educator should appreciate that their work should be based on development of good relationships with their students and interactions with them that are respectful and supportive.
• 4b (I and A): An early-childhood educator should be aware of and know how to utilize teaching strategies that are appropriate and effective for the development stage of their students, and they should be able to use available educational tools, including technological tools, in their teaching.