A caregiver has reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused. What should the program's written policy direct the caregiver to do?Caring for Our Children Basics (U.S. Administration for Children and Families), standard 3.4.4.1. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Health and Safety
For naps and at night, in which position are babies placed to sleep until they are 1 year old?Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Safe to Sleep: Ways to Reduce Baby's Risk. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Health and Safety
In a child care center, how should caregivers supervise children under age 6?Caring for Our Children Basics (U.S. Administration for Children and Families), standard 2.2.0.1. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Health and Safety
To prevent choking, how small should food for toddlers be cut?Caring for Our Children Basics (U.S. Administration for Children and Families), standard 4.5.0.10. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Health and Safety
Under playground equipment, which surface does the CPSC handbook warn against because of head injuries from falls?U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Public Playground Safety Handbook, sections 1.1 and 2.4. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Health and Safety
When is hand hygiene done around diapering, according to Caring for Our Children Basics?Caring for Our Children Basics (U.S. Administration for Children and Families), standard 3.2.2.1. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Health and Safety
Show all 60 questions (54 more)
Child Development and Learning 6
A 10-month-old lifts a blanket to find a toy she watched being hidden. Which understanding is she showing?Wikipedia, Object permanence. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Child Development and Learning
A teacher gives a child just enough help to finish a puzzle he could not do alone, then steps back. Which idea of Vygotsky's does this draw on?Wikipedia, Zone of proximal development. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Child Development and Learning
A toddler says "More juice" and "Daddy go." What is this two-word style of speech called?Wikipedia, Telegraphic speech. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Child Development and Learning
An infant strings together sounds such as ba and ma but says no real words yet. What is this stage of language development called?Wikipedia, Babbling. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Child Development and Learning
Which activity mainly builds gross motor skills?Wikipedia, Gross motor skill and Fine motor skill. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Child Development and Learning
Which set names basic executive functions?Wikipedia, Executive functions. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Child Development and Learning
Social and Emotional Development 6
A two-year-old insists on putting on her own shoes. Which of Erikson's stages is she working through?Wikipedia, Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Social and Emotional Development
At what age does stranger anxiety peak?Wikipedia, Stranger anxiety. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Social and Emotional Development
In attachment theory, how do children use a caregiver to whom they are attached?Wikipedia, Attachment theory. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Social and Emotional Development
In Erikson's stages, which crisis belongs to infancy?Wikipedia, Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Social and Emotional Development
In the Thomas and Chess temperament groups, which babies readily adapt to new experiences and generally show positive moods?Wikipedia, Temperament. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Social and Emotional Development
Which response encourages a child's efforts better than saying "Good job"?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.5 Moving from Praise to Acknowledgment. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Social and Emotional Development
Community and Family Relationships 4
Two families come together to form a new one, with step-parents and step-siblings. Which term describes this family?The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (Esquivel, Elam, Paris and Tafoya, open textbook on LibreTexts), 9.1 Diverse Family Structures. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Community and Family Relationships
When sharing a child's progress at a family conference, which practice is recommended?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.4 Family Conferences. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Community and Family Relationships
Who is called a child's first teacher?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 8.2 Working with Families. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Community and Family Relationships
Whose ecological model looks at influences outside the child, such as the family and the community?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 8.2 Working with Families. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Community and Family Relationships
Professionalism 6
Before photographing children and their work for documentation, what should an observer do?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.8 Ethical Guidelines when Observing Children. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Professionalism
Head Start standards of conduct require staff to follow confidentiality policies about which information?Head Start Program Performance Standards, 45 CFR 1302.90(c), Standards of conduct. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Professionalism
The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct names a primary responsibility to bring about what between home and program?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 8.4 Ethical Responsibilities to Families. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Professionalism
Under ethical guidelines for observing children, how may observation notes and photos be used?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.8 Ethical Guidelines when Observing Children. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Professionalism
Under the Head Start standards of conduct, which staff behavior counts as emotionally harmful to a child?Head Start Program Performance Standards, 45 CFR 1302.90(c), Standards of conduct. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Professionalism
When a child's behavior is challenging, from whom should teachers gather input?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.4 Addressing Challenging Behavior. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Professionalism
Learning Environment 6
A well-planned daily schedule balances teacher-directed activities with what?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 7.7 The Temporal Environment. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Learning Environment
How long before a big transition is a warning to the children recommended?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 7.7 The Temporal Environment. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Learning Environment
In the Reggio Emilia thinking of Loris Malaguzzi, what is called the third teacher?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 7.2 The Classroom Environment as the Third Teacher. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Learning Environment
What does the temporal environment of a classroom refer to?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 7.7 The Temporal Environment. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Learning Environment
When a classroom is arranged, where do the active spaces go in relation to the quiet spaces?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 7.5 Key Components for Creating Early Childhood Environments. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Learning Environment
Why are materials placed on low shelves that are labeled with pictures?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 5.3 Connecting Theories to Environments. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Learning Environment
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning 6
Four children agree to run a pretend restaurant and take on different jobs. Which of Parten's types of play is this?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 2.3 Types of Play. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning
In the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, what does the Approaches to Learning domain focus on?Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five, Approaches to Learning. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning
Two toddlers sit side by side with similar blocks but do not interact. Which of Parten's types of play is this?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 2.3 Types of Play. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning
What does it mean for a teacher to be intentional?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 2.5 Role of the Teacher: Being Intentional with Children. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning
Which teacher prompt invites divergent thinking, with many possible answers?Principles and Practices of Teaching Young Children (Stephens et al., open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.9 Interactions. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning
Which three kinds of knowledge does developmentally appropriate practice draw on?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 2.6 Developmentally Appropriate Practice. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning
Diversity in Early Learning 5
In education, what does equity mean?The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (Esquivel, Elam, Paris and Tafoya, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.2 Equity. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Diversity in Early Learning
What should teachers who observe children do about their own biases?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.7 Recognizing Your Biases. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Diversity in Early Learning
Which child is a dual language learner?The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (Esquivel, Elam, Paris and Tafoya, open textbook on LibreTexts), 8.4 Dual Language Learners. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Diversity in Early Learning
Which is one of the goals of the Anti-Bias Curriculum?The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (Esquivel, Elam, Paris and Tafoya, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.5 Going One Step Further with an Anti-bias Classroom. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Diversity in Early Learning
Which statement describes the concept of diversity?The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (Esquivel, Elam, Paris and Tafoya, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.1 Diversity. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Diversity in Early Learning
Inclusion of Children with Diverse Abilities 4
Under IDEA, which plan sets out early intervention services for an infant or toddler with a disability and the family?IDEA regulations, 34 CFR 303.20 and 300.320. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Inclusion of Children with Diverse Abilities
Under the ADA, when may a child care center turn away a child because of a disability?U.S. Department of Justice, ADA.gov, Commonly Asked Questions about Child Care Centers and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Inclusion of Children with Diverse Abilities
Under the least restrictive environment rule of IDEA, with whom are children with disabilities educated to the maximum extent appropriate?IDEA regulations, 34 CFR 300.114, LRE requirements. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Inclusion of Children with Diverse Abilities
Which three features define inclusion in high-quality early childhood programs?The Role of Equity and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (Esquivel, Elam, Paris and Tafoya, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.3 Inclusion. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Inclusion of Children with Diverse Abilities
Guiding Behavior 6
A child bangs blocks on the window. The teacher says, "Blocks are for building on the floor." Which part of redirecting is this?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.3 Redirecting Behavior. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Guiding Behavior
A child cries and pushes at every clean-up time. How should adults view the behavior?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.2 Factors that Influence Behavior. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Guiding Behavior
A child keeps trying to be the boss of the group. Which approach fits a motivation of power?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.2 Factors that Influence Behavior, Table 6.3. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Guiding Behavior
A teacher plans to give dessert only to children who behaved well. What do the Head Start Performance Standards say?Head Start Program Performance Standards, 45 CFR 1302.31(e)(2), Teaching and the learning environment. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Guiding Behavior
A teacher points to a picture of walking feet to remind a child who is running indoors. Which type of redirecting is this?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.3 Redirecting Behavior. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Guiding Behavior
For a child who often shows challenging behavior, when should a teacher work hardest on the relationship?Introduction to Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (Paris and Beeve, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.1 The Teacher's Role: Build and Maintain Positive Relationships with Children. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Guiding Behavior
Observation, Documentation, and Assessment 5
A family at a conference speaks a language the teacher does not. What should be arranged first?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 6.4 Family Conferences. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
A teacher makes a tally mark each time a child joins a classmate's play during one hour. Which observation method is this?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 3.4 A Closer Look at Observation Methods, Tools and Techniques. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
A teacher saves a child's dated drawing with a note on how he made it. Which kind of documentation is this?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 3.4 A Closer Look at Observation Methods, Tools and Techniques. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
What is the role of observation in an early childhood classroom?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.1 The Role of Observation. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
Which note is an objective observation?Observation and Assessment in Early Childhood Education (Peterson and Elam, open textbook on LibreTexts), 1.6 Objective versus Subjective Observation Evidence. Written to NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care (4318), Observation, Documentation, and Assessment
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the competency list of the Job Ready Credential Blueprint for Early Childhood Education and Care, code 4318, version 01, copyright 2026, that NOCTI publishes at https://www.nocti.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JREarlyChild4318.pdf , read 2026-10-09: a written assessment of 135 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes over eleven areas (Health and Safety 9%; Child Development and Learning 10%; Social and Emotional Development 10%; Community and Family Relationships 7%; Professionalism 10%; Learning Environment 10%; Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Play-Based Learning 10%; Diversity in Early Learning 9%; Inclusion of Children with Diverse Abilities 7%; Guiding Behavior 10%; Observation, Documentation, and Assessment 8%), plus a performance assessment of five jobs. This bank holds 60 in those proportions. Every rule and definition was read on the public page named under its question, each opened 2026-10-09: Caring for Our Children Basics, the Head Start Program Performance Standards (45 CFR 1302, read in the eCFR), the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, the NICHD Safe to Sleep pages, the CPSC Public Playground Safety Handbook, the IDEA regulations in 34 CFR 300 and 303, the ADA page on child care centers, four open textbooks from College of the Canyons in the copies at socialsci.libretexts.org, and Wikipedia. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site. The open textbooks are used for facts only, and no text, table or example is copied from them.
How it works
This free NOCTI early childhood education practice test has 60 questions of our own, sorted by the eleven areas of the Early Childhood Education and Care blueprint, code 4318. It is unofficial and not affiliated with NOCTI.
Read the full guide
What the eleven areas weigh
Six areas are 10% each of the written assessment: Child Development and Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Professionalism, Learning Environment, DAP and Play-Based Learning, and Guiding Behavior. Health and Safety and Diversity in Early Learning are 9% each; Observation, Documentation, and Assessment 8%; Community and Family Relationships and Inclusion of Children with Diverse Abilities 7% each.
Timed at the real pace
Exam mode gives you 67 minutes for the 60 questions, the blueprint's minutes per question. The blueprint is a free PDF on nocti.org/credentials/blueprints.
Where the answers come from
Caring for Our Children Basics and the Head Start Program Performance Standards for health, safety and staff conduct; the IDEA regulations and ADA.gov for inclusion; four open College of the Canyons textbooks for play, guidance, environments, families and observation.
Health questions are practice for an exam, not medical advice. For a child in your care, follow your program and your state's licensing rules.
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the NOCTI early childhood education test?
The Early Childhood Education and Care blueprint, code 4318, lists 135 written questions with an administration time of 2 hours 30 minutes, given in one, two or three sessions. The performance assessment is separate: five jobs in 45 minutes.
What is on the performance part of the NOCTI early childhood test?
Five jobs: washing a caregiver's hands (20%), introducing an activity to a group of five children aged 3 to 4 (20%), a story presentation (25%), a gross motor stretching activity (20%) and a closure activity (15%).
What score passes the NOCTI early childhood education test?
No pass mark is printed in blueprint 4318, only the question count, the time and each area's weight. Your program decides how the score is used, so ask your teacher. Exam mode here reports the number right, with no verdict.
Is this also a practice test for early childhood education NOCTI Advanced?
No. This page follows Early Childhood Education and Care, code 4318. NOCTI also publishes Early Childhood Education and Care-Advanced, code 4117, a longer written test of 206 questions in 3 hours. Ask your teacher which code your class sits.