Core competencies are the foundation of a professional development system.
Core competencies refer to specific, basic concepts, skills, and abilities that early childhood professionals should learn, understand and be able to demonstrate. In Texas, we have developed core competencies for the following groups: practitioners, administrators, trainers, and coaches/mentors, with the intent of providing guidance to professionals seeking training and for trainers seeking training topics.
For PractitionersFor AdministratorsFor TrainersFor Coaches and Mentors
- Child Growth and Development
- Responsive Interactions and Guidance
- Learning Environments, Planning Framework, Curriculum, and Standards
- Supporting Skill Development
- Observation and Assessment
- Diversity and Dual Language Learners
- Family and Community Relationships
- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- Professionalism and Ethics
Download the Texas Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners and Administrators for additional information and specific competencies in each area, aligned to the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- Establishing and Maintaining an Effective Organization
- Business and Operations Management
- Human Resource Leadership and Development
- Maintaining a Healthy and Safe Environment
- Implementing a Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum and Environment
- Instituting Family and Community-Centered Programming
Download the Texas Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners and Administrators for additional information and specific competencies in each area, aligned to the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
- Adult Learning Theory
- Training Delivery and Methodologies
- Transfer of Learning
- Training Content Development
- Monitoring and Evaluating Training Effectiveness
- Characteristics of Effective Trainers
The TECPDS Advisory Council participated in the development of the Core Competencies for Trainers.
- Adult Learning Theory
- Characteristics of Effective Specialists
- Observation
- Providing Feedback
- Fostering Reflective Thinking
- Demonstration and Verbal Cues
- Supporting Continuous Improvement
Download the Core Competencies for Coaches! Learn more about the coach micro-credentials on CLI Engage.
Core Competencies for Practitioners and Administrators Online Training
Through CLI Engage, early childhood professionals can learn about the Texas Core Competencies for Early Childhood Administrators and Practitioners. Upon completing this course series, you will be able to:
- Identify the core competency areas;
- Identify core concepts of each core competency area;
- Describe select observable competencies under a core competency area sub-category; and
- Identify strengths and development areas for professional growth.
Download the Core Competencies Documents
- Texas Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners and Administrators
- Competencias Básicas de Texas de la Primera Infancia para Profesionales y Administradores (Texas Core Competencies for Early Childhood Practitioners & Administrators – Spanish version)
- Texas Core Competencies for Trainers
- Core Competencies for Coaches and Mentors