Early Learning Standards

Early Learning Standards

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) are Minnesota’s early learning standards; one set is for birth to age three and another is for age three to kindergarten entry. The standards help us share developmentally appropriate expectations for what children should know and be able to do at certain ages. They offer common language for assessing progress and supporting children and families.

We know parents are a child’s first teacher, and that each child develops at his or her own pace; therefore, the standards are not for high-stakes assessment. Instead, they help early childhood teachers and caregivers design learning experiences and talk with parents about a child’s progress.