Knowledge, Standards, and Skills
Clear knowledge, standards, and skills help build high-quality early learning programs and services.
Washington’s Early Care & Education Standards and Competencies
Washington uses standards and competencies to support a strong and skilled workforce. These help workers grow in their careers and move between roles more easily.
- Standards explain what people in certain jobs should know and be able to do.
- Competencies show how people use their knowledge and skills in real, observable ways.
Key Knowledge Areas
In addition to job-skills, people who work with children and families should continue learning in these important areas:
Trauma-informed care means understanding that children may experience, and that it can affect their health, behavior, and relationships.
Strong, positive relationships with adults help children grow socially and emotionally. When staff understand trauma, they can:
- Recognize its effects
- Help prevent it
- Reduce its impact on young children
Learn more about DCYF’s effort to expand trauma-informed care in Washington state.
This work focuses on making sure all children have fair access to high-quality early learning.
Black, Indigenous, and Children of Color (BIPOC) are more likely to:
- Face barriers to quality learning
- Be suspended or expelled in preschool
These experiences can cause harm and long-term trauma. An anti-racist workforce works to remove these barriers and create fair opportunities for all children.
Learn more about DCYF's Racial Equity and Social Justice efforts.
Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals guide early learning professionals in providing high-quality care and education for young children.
Additional Resources:
- Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines: Support children’s learning and development (English | Spanish)
- NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators: National standards for early childhood educators (English | Spanish)
- NAEYC Professional Code of Ethics: Guidance for responsible and ethical behavior (English | Spanish)
- NAEYC Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education: Tools and recommendations to promote fairness in early learning (English | Spanish)
Core Competencies for School-Age Child Care and Expanded Learning Professionals support those working with children ages 5-18.
RBPD Standards guide coaches and trainers. They focus on building strong relationships and using reflection to improve teaching and learning.
State-Approved Trainer Standards explain what trainers need to know to provide high-quality professional learning.
Washington State Early Intervention Competencies describe what early intervention specialists need to support families with infants and toddlers who have developmental delays or disabilities.
WA-IMH supports strong, relationship-based care for young children and families.
They offer a credential system that:
- Sets clear standards for knowledge and skills
- Recognizes professionals who support infants and young children
Learn more about WA-IMH’s Competencies that correspond to their Endorsement Credentials
