Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS)

The Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) include what young children ages 0 to 5 should know and be able to do. They were developed so that families, communities, and schools can work together to support children’s early learning and growth across all settings.

This video provides an overview of the CT ELDS, providing information about what is included in the documents and how they can be used.

Use the CT ELDS to:

  • Plan developmentally appropriate activities for individual children, classrooms, and programs
  • Monitor each child’s development and plan strategies to support learning 
  • Partner with families to support children’s development
  • Support your own professional development by identifying areas for additional training and coaching

When we work together — at home, in early care and education programs, and in the community — we can support all young children as they learn and develop!

A preschool girl smiles while playing with two plastic containers of water

CT ELDS Documents

The Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (Spanish) document includes Essential Dispositions, Guiding Principles, and stages in learning and development across eight domains of learning.

  • Cognition
  • Social and emotional development
  • Physical development and health
  • Language and literacy
  • Creative arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social studies

Visit this page to download CT ELDS or CT Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS) documents or to order materials.

CT ELDS Resources for Families

The CT ELDS help all of the adults in a child’s life — their teachers, family, and others — talk with each other about children’s learning and development.  They also help guide adults to think about the experiences that will help that child reach the next steps in development.

Many families have questions about how their child is developing. Call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000 to learn more about resources and services for young children in CT.

Last updated February 13, 2024