The Core Body of Knowledge
The Core Body of Knowledge: New York State’s Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators is a resource that provides a comprehensive outline of the knowledge and skills required to be an effective early childhood educator. New York State uses the Core Body of Knowledge to align professional learning experiences for early childhood educators.
For professional development providers
Professional development providers, coaches, trainers and higher education leaders in early childhood all use the Core Body of Knowledge to inform professional learning for early childhood professionals.
The CBK was most recently updated in 2024 and is intended to guide current and future professional learning, systems alignment, and policy development.
Core Body of Knowledge (2024 edition)
DownloadFor early childhood practitioners
The 2024 edition of the Core Body of Knowledge is complemented by the Primary Competencies for Early Childhood Educators: A Practitioner's Companion to the Core Body of Knowledge, a resource for early childhood teachers, caregivers, and other educators. The Primary Competencies organize the fundamental capabilities required for effective early childhood caregiving and teaching into a simple, easy-to-remember structure.
Download the Primary Competencies
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Professional Development Planning Tool
Educators and practitioners seeking to reflect on their practice and plan for professional learning can use the Professional Development Planning Tool alongside the Primary Competencies.
The Professional Development Planning Tool is intended to support practitioners as they reflect on their strengths and areas for growth in relation to the Primary Competencies, set professional goals, and plan for their own professional learning.
Core Body of Knowledge (2012 edition)
Programs and professionals can continue to reference the 2012 edition of the Core Body of Knowledge.
Core Body of Knowledge (2012 edition)
DownloadInteractive Core Body of Knowledge (2012 edition)
These interactive competencies reflect the structure and language of the 2012 CBK. Interactive content aligned to the Primary Competencies will be added in a future phase.
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