Integration of ECE and EI/ECSE personnel preparation standards: going beyond alignment

ABSTRACT This article proposes a reconceptualization of the relationship between two early childhood professional standards, the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (NAEYC, 2019) and the Practice-Based Professional Preparation Standards for Early Interventionists/Early Childhood Special Educators (CEC & DEC, 2020), from an aligned or a parallel approach to an integration approach that advances the shared equity agenda in early childhood education. In the integrative approach, the ECE Standards are viewed as the foundation for educating all children with diverse social identities (i.e., ability, race, language, socioeconomic) and the EI/ECSE Standards as the expansion on the foundation specifically for children with differing abilities. A rationale is provided for integrating the standards and the process of integration is exemplified around three broad themes central to both sets of standards: inclusion and diversity, responsive and relevant practices, and building partnerships. Integrating the two professional standards will guide educator preparation programs for inclusion, provide clarity and unity around the knowledge and competencies of early childhood professionals across settings, and unify the workforce in ECE and EI/ECSE for the shared goal of promoting inclusion and equity. Our aim is for the audience to consider the integrative approach as a conceptual framework for building shared values, visions, and knowledge in ECE and EI/ECSE to promote inclusive, equitable early childhood learning opportunities and to unify educators around the shared equity agenda.