Understanding Young Children:  Teachers use their knowledge of child development and their relationships with children and families to understand children as individuals and to plan in response to their unique needs and potentials.

Promoting Child Development and Learning:  Teachers promote children's physical, emotional, linguistic, creative, intellectual, social and cognitive development by organizing the environment in ways that best facilitate the development and learning of young children.

Knowledge of Integrated Curriculum:  Based on their knowledge of academic subjects and how young children, teachers design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences within and across the disciplines.

Multiple Teaching Strategies for Meaningful Learning:  Teachers use variety of methods and materials to promote individual development, meaningful learning and social cooperation.

Assessment:  Teachers know the strengths and weaknesses of various assessment methodologies, continually monitor children's activities and behavior, and analyze this information to improve their work with children and parents.

Reflective Practice:  Teachers regularly analyze, evaluate and strengthen the quality and effectiveness of their work.

Family Partnerships:  Teachers work with and through parents and families to support children's learning and development.

Professional Partnerships:  Teachers work with colleagues to improve programs and practices for young children and their families.