Texas Core Competencies

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.

Demonstrating ability and excellence in any profession requires the mastery of different competencies related to the job. There are concepts, practices, and knowledge that early childhood practitioners and administrators must know and be able to demonstrate in order to be effective in facilitating children’s growth and development. Below you will find a list of the Core Competency Areas pertaining to each group. For a complete list of the observable competencies that fall under each area, please download the full Core Competencies documents.

Learn More about the Core Competencies

The content and structure of the competencies can be thought of as a framework for assessing knowledge and skills, guiding training and professional development opportunities, and monitoring progress. Through CLI Engage, early childhood professionals can learn about the Texas Core Competencies for Early Childhood Administrators and Practitioners. This training was designed for use by early childhood professionals to improve the quality of care and education young children receive.

Visit CLI Engage to Access the Core Competencies Training Modules

Texas Core Competency Areas

For Practitioners

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. Learn more about the ECE educator micro-credentials aligned to these core competencies, currently being piloted on CLI Engage.

For Administrators

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

For Trainers

Adult Learning Theory
Training Delivery and Methodologies
Transfer of Learning
Training Content Development
Monitoring and Evaluating Training Effectiveness
Characteristics of Effective Trainers

Download the Core Competencies for Trainers for additional information and specific competencies in each area. The TECPDS Advisory Council participated in their development. Learn more about the trainer micro-credentials aligned to these core competencies, available on CLI Engage.

For Coaches and Mentors

Characteristics of Effective Specialists (Coaches/Mentors)
Observation Skills
Providing Feedback
Fostering Reflective Thinking
Demonstration and Verbal Cues
Supporting Continuous Improvement

Download the Core Competencies for Coaches for more information. Learn more about the coach micro-credentials aligned to these core competencies, available on CLI Engage.

Download the Core Competencies Documents

Cover page for core competencies

Core Competencies Alignment to NAEYC

TECPDS recently completed an alignment of the Texas Early Childhood Core Competencies for Practitioners to the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators.

Practitioner Core Competencies Alignment

Levels of Practice

Practitioner

Beginner Practitioners support early learning and development through adherence to program and regulatory policies
Intermediate Practitioners support early learning and development with increasing independence and effectiveness
Advanced Practitioners support early learning and development through leadership in the development of program policy and practice and their ability to enhance the knowledge and skills of others in the profession

Administrator

Beginner Administrators lead and support the program by adhering to laws governed by the state and program policies
Intermediate Administrators lead and support the program with increasing independence and effectiveness
Advanced Administrators lead and support the program by providing strong leadership and high quality program components that promote the well-being of children and families