Core knowledge and competencies define what all adults who work with young children need to know, understand and be able to do in order to ensure that children have the best possible environments, experiences and relationships in which to grow and learn.

Core Knowledge & Competencies

Core Knowledge and Competencies for Program Administrators

Core Knowledge and Competencies for Instructors and Instructor Guide

Ohio's Afterschool Core Knowledge & Competencies

Ohio's Core Knowledge & Competencies for Early Childhood Mental Health Professionals

Ohio's Core Knowledge & Competencies Field Guide: Guiding Young Children's Behavior by Supporting Social and Emotional Development

Administrator CKC Self-Assessment

Having clearly defined core knowledge and competencies has many benefits:

• Work with young children gains importance as a profession when everyone understands that it requires specialized knowledge, skills and dispositions gained through education and ongoing professional development.

• The Early Childhood Core Knowledge and Competencies represents the scope of professional practice and provides a comprehensive framework for the preparation of newcomers to the field and the continued professional growth of those already working with young children and their families.

• Lastly, a document that covers a range of competencies from entry level to mastery level is a helpful tool as individuals assess their own knowledge and skill level and chart a course for professional development.