Preschool Standards Guide: Teacher Tips & Strategies to Meet Early Learning Standards

In preschool, every color learned, friendship made, and sing-song sung is more than just a fun, new entry in the memory bank—it’s part of critical cognitive growth. Research shows that, from birth to age five, a child’s brain forms over one million new neural connections every second. And, by age six, their brain has already developed 90% of its full volume.

That means preschool isn’t just a place to sip yummy juice boxes and wait for kindergarten to roll around. In fact, it’s not a time before learning and schooling at all. It’s when learning—and most importantly, exploration and problem-solving—begin.

That’s why preschool learning standards (a.k.a. early childhood education standards) exist. Set by each state, these guidelines help teachers and schools develop programs that make the most of these crucial early years.

Here, we’ll explore what you need to know about early learning standards, break down these guidelines by state, and share tips and activities to enhance preschool play and productivity.

What are preschool standards?

Preschool standards are research-based guidelines for developing early childhood education programs. They outline key milestones kids should achieve, experiences they should have, and skills they should acquire by a certain age. Early learning standards also take the whole child into account. So, beyond just setting academic goals, they set the stage for how kids can develop their social-emotional skills, physical and mental health, and overall well-being.

Who creates early childhood standards?

Early childhood standards are actually established by each state. And each state’s guidelines can vary in many ways—from recommending unique skills to covering different age ranges. California created the Preschool/Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF), for example, catered towards children aged three to five-and-a-half. Meanwhile, Alabama’s Standards for Early Learning and Development (ASELD) is designed for young children from “birth to age 5.”

What do early learning standards entail?

Yes, early learning standards change from state to state. But they do cover many common themes with a core goal at heart: To help boost childhood development and prepare kids for future learning experiences—in kindergarten and beyond. Isn’t that something we can all get behind?

With that in mind, let’s unpack examples of what those early education standards can entail:

Social-emotional development: Kids can learn to manage emotions and build healthy relationships through cooperative play.
Language and literacy skills: Stories, songs, and playful conversations can help children get more comfortable with communicating and learning new words.
Physical development and motor skills: As active learners, children should have opportunities to develop strength and coordination through hands-on activities.
Mathematical reasoning: In preschool, children can begin to explore problem-solving, critical thinking, and pattern recognition.
Creative expression and exploration: Kids should be able to use their imagination to explore new ideas and express themselves creatively.

Explore early learning standards by state. ⌄

How Plus-Plus can help with early learning

Teachers love using Plus-Plus in their classrooms! More than just a toy, Plus-Plus is an educational tool, sensory experience, and a key to unlocking creativity. With one simple shape and 50+ beautiful colors, you can help kids open up a world of imagination—whether they want to build penguins and giraffes or explore creations all their own.

Our BIG blocks are also designed with little hands in mind, so young ones can safely stack, sort, and assemble them into new shapes and structures.

As you fill your preschool classroom with exciting new toys and interactive activities, here’s a closer look at how Plus-Plus can help fuel early learning and boost outcomes:

Develop fine motor skills

Assemble. Disassemble. Create. Take apart. Discover. Deconstruct. Repeat! Kids can develop dexterity and coordination as they play around with stacking and interlocking blocks in nearly endless combinations. Each satisfying snap of connected Plus-Plus pieces mirrors those neural connections being made in each little growing brain.

Top early learning tip: Bring Old MacDonald’s cows and pigs to life in 3D with the BIG Farm Activity Set. Kids can start by building their own barnyard and vegetable garden, and then let new ideas sprout along the way.

Start early with STEM

No need to wait for AP Calc class—preschoolers are already getting started in STEM. For many little ones, Plus-Plus can be their first experience with hands-on engineering and math lessons. By building their own designs, they can start learning about fundamental concepts like balance, patterns, symmetry, and even gravity.

Top early learning tip: Pop open the BIG Learn to Build Activity Education Tub of 400+ pieces and 10 activity cards to spark inspiration and get the gears turning.

Supercharge imagination with open-ended play

One small and simple shape can spark big and bountiful ideas—whether you want to build a magical creature or the tallest tower. That’s why Plus-Plus is perfect for open-ended play. There are no rules to follow or specific goals to achieve. Just curious minds, tactile toys, and endless possibilities.

Top early learning tip: Step back and see what kids will create with Plus-Plus neon, pastel, and glitter tubes. Just a handful of pieces can morph into anything they can dream up, be it alien creatures or supernatural spaceships.

Learn colors, numbers, and animals, oh my!

Plus-Plus pieces come in a whole rainbow of bright and eye-catching colors—so you can build everything from furry farm animals to food favorites. These versatile blocks can also be joined into different shapes, patterns, letters, and numbers. That means they bring a tactile touch to abstract concepts, which can be tough for growing minds to grasp. Because, hey, why simply recite the ABCs and 123s when you can build them?

Top early learning tip: Thousands of little lessons and games are packed into one BIG 100-piece set. Spill them out and see what your students—and even you!—might discover.

How to set up a Plus-Plus center in your classroom

Open up a world of creative possibilities in the heart of your classroom with Plus-Plus. Choose from colorful bulk bags of our BIG shapes (made for tiny fingers) or ready-made activity sets, tubes, and tubs to unlock hours of discovery, exploration, and problem-solving.

Whether you’re helping kids build together or dream up their own creations, Plus-Plus lets teachers tap into the most powerful learning tool of all: play.

Early learning standards by state

Every U.S. state—and the District of Columbia—has its own early learning standards and unique approach to preschool education. Not sure what your state suggests? This guide can help.

We’ll highlight what makes each state’s standards stand out, break down key takeaways, and point you to a direct link for more guidance and information.

Discover the early learning standards for your state:

AL | AK | AZ | AR | CA | CO | CT | DC | DE | FL | GA | HI | ID | IL | IN | IA | KS | KY | LA | ME | MD | MA | MI | MN | MS | MO | MT | NE | NV | NH | NJ | NM | NY | NC | ND | OH | OK | OR | PA | RI | SC | SD | TN | TX | UT | VT | VA | WA | WV | WI | WY

Alabama

Alabama’s Standards for Early Learning and Development (ASELD) are comprehensive and updated regularly, guiding educators in supporting children from birth to age 5. Alabama places a strong focus on social connections and play-based learning, with an emphasis on relationship-building in early childhood settings.

Four core domains: Relationships & Connections, Exploration & Critical Thinking, Communication, Physical Development & Health
Includes practical classroom strategies for family engagement and support for dual-language learners
Standards are required for all state-funded pre-K programs

Learn more: Alabama Standards for Early Learning and Development (ASELD)

Alaska

Alaska’s Early Learning Guidelines are notable for their integration of cultural competencies, reflecting Alaska Native values and diverse family structures. The guidelines support children from birth to age 5 and include specific examples for culturally responsive teaching.

Five key domains: Social & Emotional, Communication, Cognition, Physical, Community & Family
Explicit emphasis on learning in and from the community, not just the classroom
Culturally relevant examples to support Alaska Native children and families

Learn more: Alaska Early Learning Guidelines (PDF)

Arizona

Arizona’s Early Learning Standards are split by age and domain and updated with input from public and private educators. The state highlights inclusive practices and integrates learning goals with kindergarten readiness.

Detailed standards by domain: Social-Emotional, Language/Literacy, Math, Science, Physical, Social Studies, and Fine Arts
Includes separate guidelines for infants/toddlers and for preschoolers (3–5)
Guidance on integrating standards into everyday classroom routines

Learn more: Arizona Early Learning Standards

Arkansas

Arkansas’s Child Development and Early Learning Standards (Birth–60 Months) include learning progressions for each domain, allowing teachers to see how children develop over time. There’s a strong focus on school-family partnerships.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Cognitive, Language, Physical, Adaptive/Self-Help
Includes "indicators" to help teachers assess and document progress
Standards are linked to both classroom teaching and family engagement strategies

Learn more: Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards

California

California’s Preschool Learning Foundations are among the most detailed in the country—organized into three comprehensive volumes and backed by teacher vignettes and examples. California’s approach is unique in its emphasis on visual/performing arts and support for dual-language learners.

Domains include Social-Emotional, Language & Literacy, Math, Science, Visual & Performing Arts, Physical Development, and Health
Entire volumes devoted to language and literacy, and to dual-language development
Detailed teacher guidance for adapting activities to diverse cultural backgrounds

Learn more: California Preschool Learning Foundations

District of Columbia (DC)

DC’s Early Learning Standards align closely with Head Start and Common Core but are tailored to the unique needs of the city’s diverse student population. The standards place emphasis on school readiness, equity, and family engagement.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social-Emotional, Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts, Physical Development
Explicit focus on equity, anti-bias education, and readiness for kindergarten
Used as a foundation for public Pre-K and community-based programs

Learn more: DC Early Learning Standards

Colorado

Colorado’s Early Learning and Development Guidelines stand out for their whole-child approach, covering birth through age 8, not just preschool years. These guidelines are structured for easy use by both parents and teachers.

Covers developmental progressions across domains: Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Cognition, Physical, and Approaches to Learning
Notable for user-friendly format: age-banded progressions with real-life examples
Integrated into statewide kindergarten readiness and quality improvement programs

Learn more: Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines

Connecticut

Connecticut’s Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) are unique in their integration with the state’s K–12 standards, supporting alignment from birth through grade 3. They include crosswalks to special education and English learner supports.

Domains: Cognition, Social & Emotional, Physical, Language & Literacy, Creative Arts
Aligned with Head Start, Common Core, and state special education initiatives
Comprehensive guides and training for teachers and administrators

Learn more: Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards

Delaware

Delaware’s Early Learning Foundations offer dual sets: one for infants/toddlers and one for preschoolers. They are part of a larger statewide initiative to improve school readiness and early intervention services.

Domains: Social-Emotional, Cognitive, Language, Physical, and Approaches to Learning
Developed in collaboration with higher ed and health departments for early screening
Standards connect with Delaware’s QRIS and public Pre-K

Learn more: Delaware Early Learning Foundations

Florida

Florida’s Early Learning and Developmental Standards (Birth to Five) are widely used in state-subsidized and private programs. The standards are known for their strong integration of health, nutrition, and family engagement.

Domains: Physical Health, Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Communication, Cognitive, Mathematical, Scientific Inquiry, Social Studies, Creative Arts
Required for all state-contracted VPK and early childhood programs
Resources include family guides and checklists for parents

Learn more: Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards

Georgia

Georgia’s GELDS (Early Learning and Development Standards) are regularly updated with educator feedback and are well-known for emphasizing “approaches to play and learning.” These standards are central to Georgia’s high-profile Pre-K program.

Domains: Physical, Social & Emotional, Approaches to Play & Learning, Communication, Cognitive
Unique focus on play-based exploration and individualized learning
Required for all public Pre-K and recommended for private programs

Learn more: Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS)

Hawaii

Hawaii’s Early Learning and Development Standards incorporate local values and traditions, aiming to honor native cultures and support diverse learners in multilingual communities.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Cognitive, Physical, and Culture & Community
Guidance for integrating family traditions, native language, and outdoor learning
Used in public, private, and charter pre-K programs statewide

Learn more: Hawaii Early Learning and Development Standards

Idaho

Idaho’s Early Learning eGuidelines emphasize developmental milestones within a flexible, family-centered framework. The guidelines offer teachers adaptable strategies for a wide range of settings.

Five main domains: Social & Emotional, Language, Literacy, Math, Science, Physical, Approaches to Learning
Strong focus on adaptability for home-based, rural, and center-based programs
Resources for embedding standards into play and daily routines

Learn more: Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines

Illinois

Illinois’s Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS) are among the most comprehensive, covering ages 3–5, with separate birth-to-three guidelines. The standards include indicators and benchmarks to support ongoing observation and assessment.

Domains: Social & Emotional, Language, Literacy, Math, Science, Physical Development, and the Arts
Provides benchmarks for teacher documentation and student portfolios
Widely used in QRIS, Head Start, and state-funded preschool

Learn more: Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards

Indiana

Indiana’s Early Learning Foundations offer progression-based standards from birth through age 5, with each standard linked to learning “indicators” and sample classroom activities.

Domains: English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Social-Emotional, Physical, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts
Indicators align with K–12 standards for a smooth transition to kindergarten
Includes teacher guidance for children with special needs

Learn more: Indiana Early Learning Foundations

Iowa

Iowa’s Early Learning Standards are designed to support inclusion, with specific strategies for children with disabilities and dual-language learners. They’re developed as part of a collaborative, multi-agency effort.

Domains: Social & Emotional, Physical Well-Being, Communication, Creative Arts, Cognitive, Approaches to Learning
Includes adaptations and examples for children with diverse needs
Used in both public and private preschool settings

Learn more: Iowa Early Learning Standards

Kansas

Kansas’s Early Learning Standards offer a developmental roadmap for children from birth through kindergarten, emphasizing holistic growth and community connections.

Domains: Social-Emotional, Physical, Communication, Cognitive, Creative Arts
Notable for community and family engagement components
Designed for alignment with K–12 and Head Start standards

Learn more: Kansas Early Learning Standards

Kentucky

Kentucky’s Early Childhood Standards are built around the “whole child” philosophy and updated in collaboration with statewide early childhood councils.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Health & Physical, Social-Emotional, Cognitive, Language, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts
Includes performance benchmarks and indicators for classroom assessment
Widely used in state QRIS and professional development

Learn more: Kentucky Early Childhood Standards

Louisiana

Louisiana’s Birth to Five Early Learning & Development Standards were recently revamped to emphasize kindergarten readiness, teacher-family partnerships, and continuous progress monitoring.

Domains: Social Foundations, Language & Literacy, Math, Science, Physical, Creative Arts
Structured as learning progressions with clear “What it Looks Like” guidance for teachers
Aligned with Louisiana’s high-profile “Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Pre-K” program

Learn more: Louisiana Birth to Five Early Learning & Development Standards

Maine

Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards stand out for their focus on the natural world, with integrated science and outdoor learning benchmarks.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Cognitive, Language, Physical, Science & Nature, Creative Arts
Emphasis on outdoor play and environmental education
Aligns with state goals for “whole child” wellness

Learn more: Maine Early Learning and Development Standards

Maryland

Maryland’s Early Learning Standards (the Maryland Early Learning Assessment) are designed as an observation-based system for continuous improvement and data-driven teaching.

Domains: Social Foundations, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, The Arts, Physical
Teachers use ongoing observation portfolios and checklists
Aligned with Maryland EXCELS QRIS and public pre-K

Learn more: Maryland Early Learning Standards

Massachusetts

Massachusetts’s Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences are unique for their domain-specific “Learning Experiences” with suggested teacher prompts and activities.

Domains: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science & Technology/Engineering, History/Social Science, Health, Physical, the Arts
Includes practical lesson starters and “Look Fors” for classroom observation
Used statewide in public and private programs

Learn more: Massachusetts Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences

Michigan

Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten are known for integrating child assessment and individualized planning directly into the standards.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Creative Arts, Physical
Includes classroom assessment rubrics and family partnership components
Required for all state-funded Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) classrooms

Learn more: Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality

Minnesota

Minnesota’s Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) include birth-to-three and three-to-five frameworks, with strong emphasis on play, inquiry, and cultural responsiveness.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Creativity/Arts, Cognitive, Physical/Health, Approaches to Learning
Includes explicit benchmarks for multilingual learners
Integrated into statewide professional development and family support

Learn more: Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress

Mississippi

Mississippi’s Early Learning Standards for Classrooms Serving Three- and Four-Year-Old Children provide detailed classroom strategies, with benchmarks for readiness and transition to kindergarten.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language, Cognitive, Physical, Creative
Notable for including guidance on transition to kindergarten and progress monitoring
Aligned with Mississippi Building Blocks Pre-K program

Learn more: Mississippi Early Learning Standards

Missouri

Missouri’s Early Learning Standards are organized by “Strands” with subdomains, offering extensive examples for teachers and strong integration with early intervention and family support programs.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Physical, Creative Arts
Includes teacher vignettes, formative assessment guidance, and family engagement ideas
Linked with Missouri’s Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) system

Learn more: Missouri Early Learning Standards

Montana

Montana’s Early Learning Standards emphasize respect for local culture, small communities, and nature-based learning. The standards are developed with input from tribal and rural educators.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Cognitive, Physical, Cultural
Culturally responsive examples for Native and rural communities
Adapted for flexible, multi-age, and family-based programs

Learn more: Montana Early Learning Standards

Nebraska

Nebraska’s Early Learning Guidelines: Birth to Five focus on practical applications for family childcare providers and include observation-based “Indicators” for every age band.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Cognitive, Language, Physical, Approaches to Learning
Detailed classroom, home, and outdoor activity examples
Strong alignment with statewide QRIS and Step Up to Quality initiatives

Learn more: Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines

Nevada

Nevada’s Pre-Kindergarten Standards are known for their explicit integration with K–12 learning standards, making the transition to kindergarten seamless. Standards are presented in user-friendly charts and matrices.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Math, Science, Creative Arts, Physical, Approaches to Learning
Clear “performance level” descriptors for teachers and parents
Strong focus on readiness for public school

Learn more: Nevada Pre-Kindergarten Standards

New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s Early Learning Standards are organized by “Essential Outcomes,” designed for flexible use in play-based, nature-based, and family programs.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Communication, Cognitive, Physical, Creative
Emphasis on flexible application in rural and play-based settings
Crosswalks for children with special needs and multilingual learners

Learn more: New Hampshire Early Learning Standards

New Jersey

New Jersey’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards provide one of the most prescriptive frameworks in the nation, with detailed “performance indicators” for each domain and age.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Approaches to Learning, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts, Physical
Used as a required foundation for all licensed preschools and Head Start
Includes checklists and “family activities” for home-school connection

Learn more: New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards

New Mexico

New Mexico’s Early Learning Guidelines emphasize cultural and linguistic diversity, reflecting the state’s large Native American and Hispanic populations. The guidelines span from birth through kindergarten entry.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Physical Development, Creative Arts
Strong integration of bilingual and multicultural teaching strategies
Practical guidance for family engagement and community-based learning

Learn more: New Mexico Early Learning Guidelines

New York

New York’s Early Learning Standards, known as the New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards, are highly structured and designed to align directly with the state’s K–12 system.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, The Arts, Physical Development
Clear performance indicators and expectations for kindergarten readiness
Supported by family engagement materials and professional development

Learn more: New York Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core

North Carolina

North Carolina’s Foundations for Early Learning and Development (NCFELD) are widely respected for their comprehensive developmental progressions from birth through age 5.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Emotional & Social, Health & Physical, Language & Communication, Cognitive Development
Progressions describe typical growth pathways for each skill area
Required for NC Pre-K and used across licensed early childhood programs

Learn more: North Carolina Foundations: Early Learning Standards

North Dakota

North Dakota’s Early Learning Standards (Birth–Kindergarten) are designed as a developmental continuum, helping teachers align instruction and assessment.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts, Physical Development
Includes checklists and observational strategies for teachers
Aligned with Head Start, QRIS, and state kindergarten standards

Learn more: North Dakota Early Learning Guidelines

Ohio

Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards are among the most detailed in the U.S., covering birth through kindergarten entry. They are designed to guide both instruction and child assessment.

Domains: Approaches Toward Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Development, Creative Arts
Detailed age-band indicators with guidance for early intervention
Widely used across Ohio’s Step Up to Quality (QRIS) programs

Learn more: Ohio Early Learning and Development Standards

Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s Early Learning Guidelines (Birth–5) are written in family-friendly language to support both educators and caregivers. They are organized to encourage developmental progressions.

Domains: Social & Emotional, Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Health, Creative Arts, Physical Development
User-friendly charts with developmental expectations and strategies
Required in state-funded pre-K and recommended for child care programs

Learn more: Oklahoma Early Learning Guidelines

Oregon

Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines cover birth through kindergarten, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Development, The Arts
Strong focus on dual-language learners and inclusive education
Used across Oregon’s Preschool Promise and QRIS initiatives

Learn more: Oregon Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s Learning Standards for Early Childhood are part of a statewide continuum from birth through grade 2, ensuring strong alignment with K–12.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Creative Arts, Health, Physical Development
Emphasis on readiness benchmarks and observational assessment
Integrated with Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS QRIS system

Learn more: Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS) are organized into developmental progressions that align with kindergarten readiness goals.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social & Emotional, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Health, Creative Arts
Strong alignment with Head Start and Common Core initiatives
Supported by professional development and family resources

Learn more: Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards

South Carolina

South Carolina’s Early Learning Standards (SC-ELS) cover birth through age 5 and are designed to align closely with K–12 expectations for a smooth transition.

Domains: Approaches to Play & Learning, Emotional & Social, Health & Physical, Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Cognitive
Progressions include “What it Looks Like” classroom examples
Used in SC First Steps and statewide pre-K programs

Learn more: South Carolina Early Learning Standards

South Dakota

South Dakota’s Early Learning Guidelines are tailored to support educators and families across rural and tribal communities. They emphasize real-world learning, self-reliance, and relationships with both nature and family.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Cognitive, Physical, Approaches to Learning
Includes local context and cultural examples, including for tribal children
Designed for family child care, Head Start, and home-based programs

Learn more: South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines

Tennessee

Tennessee’s Early Learning Developmental Standards are research-driven and updated regularly in partnership with the state’s Department of Education and major universities.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Physical, Creative Arts, Approaches to Learning
Explicit links to K–12 standards, teacher credentialing, and assessment systems
Includes guidance for working with children with special needs

Learn more: Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards

Texas

Texas’s Prekindergarten Guidelines are widely adopted in both public and private pre-K. Texas is known for its structured approach, with separate guidelines for English and Spanish and for “English Learners.”

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language & Communication, Emergent Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Physical Development
Strong focus on readiness, bilingual education, and family involvement
Used for teacher training, curriculum development, and assessment

Learn more: Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines

Utah

Utah’s Early Learning Standards are notable for their alignment with state K–12 core standards and for their strong integration of outdoor play and exploration.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language, Cognitive, Mathematics, Science, Physical/Health, Creative Arts
Resources for nature-based learning, family activities, and community connection
Supported by the Utah State Board of Education and Early Childhood Utah

Learn more: Utah Early Learning Standards

Vermont

Vermont’s Early Learning Standards (VELS) are among the first in the nation to formally integrate health, environmental education, and social justice into the framework.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Communication, Cognitive, Physical, Science & Nature, Creative Arts
Standards connect with Vermont’s "All Learners" and equity initiatives
Used in public, private, and family childcare

Learn more: Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS)

Virginia

Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards: Birth-Five Learning Guidelines are research-based and developed with feedback from a broad coalition of stakeholders statewide.

Domains: Approaches to Learning, Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Physical, Creative Arts
Emphasis on equitable access, trauma-informed practice, and family engagement
Used in public pre-K, Head Start, and private programs

Learn more: Virginia Early Learning & Development Standards

Washington

Washington’s Early Learning and Development Guidelines were developed collaboratively with state agencies, tribes, and community organizations. They are known for a strong emphasis on anti-bias, inclusion, and partnership with families.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language, Cognitive, Physical, Creative, Approaches to Learning
Includes clear cultural examples, including for multilingual and tribal communities
Extensive family resources and translated materials

Learn more: Washington Early Learning and Development Guidelines

West Virginia

West Virginia’s Early Learning Standards Framework integrates both content standards and "learning criteria," supporting both curriculum planning and day-to-day classroom practice.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language, Mathematics, Science, Physical, Creative, Approaches to Learning
Emphasis on observation, documentation, and inclusive assessment
Required for all Universal Pre-K programs

Learn more: West Virginia Early Learning Standards Framework

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Model Early Learning Standards serve as a national example for cross-sector collaboration, developed in collaboration with educators, health providers, and families statewide.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Physical, Creative, Approaches to Learning
Includes explicit outcomes, sample indicators, and strategies for equity
Used as a foundation for Wisconsin’s YoungStar QRIS

Learn more: Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards

Wyoming

Wyoming’s Early Learning Standards are designed for use in small, rural, and mixed-age settings. They were developed with a strong emphasis on flexibility and real-world learning.

Domains: Social/Emotional, Language/Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Physical, Creative, Approaches to Learning
Support for family, home-based, and community early learning
Aligned with Wyoming’s Kindergarten Readiness and early intervention programs

Learn more: Wyoming Early Learning Standards

Still have questions? We’re ready to answer! Reach out to the Plus-Plus educational team for more information.