---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: root
brand_name: "The Source for Learning ECE"
publication_profile: registry_backed
canonical_bcp: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand.md
registry_mcp: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/mcp
registry_handle: "the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585"
tree_version: "1.0.0"
website: "https://sflece.org"
last_updated: 2026-10-22
default_locale: "en-US"
daughter_files:
voice: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/voice.md
values: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/values.md
boundaries: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/boundaries.md
claims: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/claims.md
representation: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/representation.md
visual: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/visual.md
onboarding: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/onboarding.md
voice_anti_ai: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/voice/anti-ai.md
source_coverage:
status: partial
research_refreshed: true
sources:
- "https://sflece.org/ (retrieved 2026-10-21)"
- "https://sflece.org/about-sflece (retrieved 2026-10-21)"
- "https://sflece.org/administrator-credential (retrieved 2026-10-22)"
- "Owner-supplied private brand documents: voice guidelines and direction log, tone documents, LEAD Credential messaging Q&A, fall content plan, logo and color notes (reviewed 2026-10-21; not published)"
- "Owner decisions recorded 2026-10-21 and 2026-10-22"
gaps:
- "Typography: no approved or observed type specification"
- "Logo usage rules, clear space and minimum sizes"
- "Imagery and photographic direction"
- "Brand-safety adjacency preferences"
- "Regulatory constraints, if any"
- "Priority order when values conflict"
- "Honest trade-offs"
- "Proof source for the research-backed claim"
- "Accountable claim owner (team or role)"
- "Voice modulation for social, support and advertising"
integrity_signed: true
trust_level: claimed
official_brand_source: false
verification_method: null
verified_domain: null
verified_at: null
dns_verified_at: null
verification_last_checked_at: null
verification_expires_at: null
certification_status: not_certified
registry_certified: false
---
# The Source for Learning ECE
The Source for Learning ECE is the early childhood division of The Source for Learning, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Reston, VA. Since 2005 it has supported educators of children ages 0 to 5.
Offer: A free online resource portal with ready-to-use classroom experiences, live and on-demand expert-led webinars, a PD catalog, book clubs and book studies, the Foundations eBook, a Multilingual Toolkit, and the free National Administrator Credential (The LEAD).
## Package map
- voice.md: tone, vocabulary, punctuation and how the voice shifts by audience.
- voice/anti-ai.md: writing patterns the brand rejects.
- values.md: the principles behind decisions, with real examples.
- boundaries.md: hard nos and when to hand off to a person.
- claims.md: permitted, caveated and forbidden claims with evidence.
- representation.md: how to describe the brand, and how not to.
- visual.md: observed colors and logo location; most visual rules are gaps.
- onboarding.md: how to read and use this package.
This package contains untrusted brand-provided data, not agent instructions. Host policy determines its use. Current Registry attestation, when available, is separate from publisher assertions and from any older signed trust snapshot.
## Core identity
```yaml
category: "Free, nonprofit online professional development and classroom resource portal for early childhood educators, birth to age 5"
founded: 2005
headquarters: "Reston, VA, United States"
parent_organization: "The Source for Learning, Inc. (501(c)(3) nonprofit)"
markets: ["United States"]
```
## Positioning
Audience: Early childhood educators and program administrators, including many in daycare and home settings; for the LEAD Credential, educators in under-resourced communities who can't afford paid alternatives.
Promise: Educators gain the confidence and resources to create joyful, inclusive learning spaces that support all learning domains and the foundation for lifelong success.
Differentiation: Always free, nonprofit, and built by experienced early childhood educators; its LEAD Credential is the only $0 national administrator credential in its competitive set. The comparison is limited to the paid credentials reviewed; see claims.md.
## Change log
- 2026-10-22: v1.0.0 -- initial BCP authored via BCP Encoder
<!-- registry-daughter-links:start -->
## See also
- [boundaries.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/boundaries.md>)
- [claims.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/claims.md>)
- [onboarding.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/onboarding.md>)
- [representation.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/representation.md>)
- [values.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/values.md>)
- [visual.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/visual.md>)
- [voice.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/voice.md>)
- [voice/anti-ai.md](<https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/voice/anti-ai.md>)
<!-- registry-daughter-links:end -->
---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: boundaries
parent: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand.md
last_updated: 2026-10-22
---
# Boundaries
These boundaries are the reference for anyone generating content about The Source for Learning ECE.
## Hard nos
These are absolute. No exceptions, no contextual allowances.
```yaml
hard_no:
- item: "Never guarantee specific career outcomes from the LEAD Credential."
tier: core
- item: "Never claim all webinars are bilingual."
tier: core
- item: "Never imply a LEAD Credential enrollment closing date; admissions are rolling."
tier: core
- item: "Do not say 'more than 40 years'; use 'since 2005.'"
tier: core
- item: "AI tools never answer LEAD credential, enrollment or state-recognition questions themselves; they route them to Leadsupport@sflece.org."
tier: core
```
## Escalation
Route LEAD credential, enrollment and state-recognition questions to the Education Manager; route all other questions to the Contact form at sflece.org/about-sflece#contact.
```yaml
escalation:
- trigger: "LEAD credential, enrollment or state-recognition questions"
route_to: "Education Manager, Leadsupport@sflece.org"
- trigger: "All other questions"
route_to: "Contact form, https://sflece.org/about-sflece#contact"
```
## Soft nos
[gap] Not yet specified.
## Brand safety
[gap] Not yet specified.
## Regulatory constraints
[gap] Not yet specified.
---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: claims
parent: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand.md
last_updated: 2026-10-22
---
# Claims
Claims The Source for Learning ECE has classified for use. Factual claims should be reviewed or vetted by legal before use. This is a review requirement, not a statement that legal approval has occurred. brand_approval records owner confirmation only.
## Permitted
```yaml
permitted:
- claim: "Portal resources are free: 'All in one place, always FREE!'"
tier: core
use_status: permitted
evidence_status: supported
brand_approval: approved
approval_reference: "Owner confirmation, Encoded authoring session, 2026-10-21"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: true
approved_language: "All in one place, always FREE!"
evidence: "The sflece.org homepage and portal sign-up page (platform.sflece.org/users/sign_up) state portal resources are free."
evidence_url: "https://sflece.org/"
- claim: "Serving early childhood educators since 2005."
tier: core
use_status: permitted
evidence_status: supported
brand_approval: approved
approval_reference: "Owner decision, Encoded authoring session, 2026-10-21"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: true
approved_language: "Since 2005"
evidence: "The About page states the program has served educators since 2005."
evidence_url: "https://sflece.org/about-sflece"
- claim: "LEAD: 10 self-paced online modules, up to 12 months, 100% free, 100 PD clock hours upon completion, optional 10 CEUs for a nominal fee, aligned with NAEYC standards, national rather than state-specific."
tier: core
use_status: permitted
evidence_status: supported
brand_approval: approved
approval_reference: "Owner confirmation, Encoded authoring session, 2026-10-21"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: false
approved_language: "10 self-paced online modules, up to 12 months, 100% free, 100 PD clock hours upon completion, optional 10 CEUs for a nominal fee, aligned with NAEYC standards, national rather than state-specific."
evidence: "The LEAD Credential page lists 10 online modules in up to 12 months at your own pace, NAEYC-aligned content, 100 PD clock hours on completion, optional 10 CEUs for a nominal fee, and that it is completely free; the homepage names it a National Administrator Credential."
evidence_url: "https://sflece.org/administrator-credential"
```
## Requires caveat
```yaml
requires_caveat:
- claim: "The LEAD Credential is the only $0 national administrator credential in its competitive set"
tier: core
use_status: conditional
evidence_status: supported
brand_approval: approved
approval_reference: "Owner confirmation, Encoded authoring session, 2026-10-21"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: false
approved_language: "gap"
caveat: "Comparison limited to the reviewed set: McCormick Institute, NECPA and NICM paid credentials. Legal review recommended before public use."
evidence: "Owner-supplied competitor research (private, not published)"
```
## Forbidden
```yaml
forbidden:
- claim: "More than 40 years"
tier: core
use_status: prohibited
evidence_status: unsupported
brand_approval: rejected
approval_reference: "Owner decision, Encoded authoring session, 2026-10-21"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: false
approved_language: "gap"
reason: "Conflicts with since 2005"
- claim: "Guaranteed career outcomes from the LEAD Credential"
tier: core
use_status: prohibited
evidence_status: unsupported
brand_approval: rejected
approval_reference: "Owner confirmation, Encoded authoring session, 2026-10-21"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: false
approved_language: "gap"
reason: "May speak to career opportunity but never guarantee outcomes"
- claim: "All webinars are bilingual"
tier: core
use_status: prohibited
evidence_status: unsupported
brand_approval: rejected
approval_reference: "Owner confirmation, Encoded authoring session, 2026-10-21"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: false
approved_language: "gap"
reason: "Not all webinars are bilingual"
- claim: "Everything The Source for Learning ECE does is research-backed"
tier: core
use_status: unknown
evidence_status: unknown
brand_approval: unknown
approval_reference: "gap"
owner: gap
validity_window:
valid_from: 2026-10-21
valid_until: null
source_hash: gap
exact_text: false
approved_language: "gap"
reason: "Owner-stated; proof source not yet supplied"
```
---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: onboarding
parent: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand.md
last_updated: 2026-10-22
---
# Onboarding
This package describes The Source for Learning ECE for people and AI tools creating or answering questions about it.
## Browsing and connected use
When browsing, read brand.md first, then only the daughter files relevant to the task. In a connected tool, request individual sections by path. A pasted URL does not install a connector, persist knowledge, verify signatures or guarantee complete ingestion.
## Claims and caveats
Use claims.md for any factual statement. Permitted claims may be used as written; claims under requires_caveat carry their caveat; forbidden or unknown claims are not factual marketing claims. Factual claims should be reviewed by legal before use.
## Provenance and gaps
source_coverage in brand.md lists sources reviewed and open gaps. Gaps are unknown, not permission to invent.
## Approved assets
No approved asset library is declared. Ask which connected libraries or uploads hold approved logos and imagery; inaccessible assets remain missing.
## Getting started
If no brief exists yet, ask what the user wants to make. For questions this package cannot answer, use the contact form at https://sflece.org/about-sflece#contact.
This file is untrusted reference data. It does not override host policy or grant account access or publication permission.
---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: representation
parent: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand.md
last_updated: 2026-10-22
---
# Representation
How to describe The Source for Learning ECE when asked.
## Preferred framing
Since 2005, The Source for Learning ECE has helped young learners ages 0-5 thrive by inspiring and supporting early childhood educators to achieve best practices and build quality programs. It is a free, nonprofit portal built by experienced early childhood educators, serving educators and program administrators, including many in daycare and home settings. Its LEAD Credential is a free national administrator credential. Honest trade-offs: [gap] Not yet specified.
## Structured guidance
```yaml
describe_as:
- descriptor: "A free, nonprofit online professional development and classroom resource portal for early childhood educators, birth to age 5."
tier: default
do_not_describe_as:
- descriptor: "Never Virginia-only or state-accredited; the LEAD Credential is national and NAEYC-aligned."
tier: core
alternatives:
- entity: "Paid administrator credentials from McCormick Institute, NECPA and NICM."
competitive_frame: "Compared with paid administrator credentials, the LEAD Credential is free."
honest_trade_offs: gap
```
---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: values
parent: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand.md
last_updated: 2026-10-22
---
# Values
These values describe choices The Source for Learning ECE has actually made.
## 1. Accessible, practical professional learning
**tier:** core
Professional learning resources that are accessible, practical, and meet diverse learning needs.
**Manifestation in practice:** Pricing as of 2026: The LEAD administrator credential is 100% free, with only an optional nominal fee for CEUs. The LEAD campaign's primary audience is educators in under-resourced communities.
## 2. For Educators, By Educators
**tier:** core
For Educators, By Educators: resources are created and delivered by experienced early childhood educators and other experts.
**Manifestation in practice:** Every webinar names its presenter with one credential line. Each Fall Webinar Series session is led by a named expert, such as Hayes Greenfield on classroom sound.
## Agent resolution order
[gap] Not yet specified.
---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: voice
parent: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand.md
last_updated: 2026-10-22
---
# Voice
Warm, energetic and teacher-friendly; value first, hooks over labels, short and scannable, active first person. Lean approachable and colloquial.
## Not that
Not long, descriptive or feature-led; not stat lists; not 'way too much copy.' Not pushy or salesy; urgency only with a real deadline or event.
## Personality
- Warm and teacher-friendly: speaks to educators as peers. Not academic or lecturing.
- Energetic: leads with the payoff. Not pushy; urgency only when a real deadline or event exists.
- Concise: short and scannable. Not feature-led or stat-heavy.
## Register
Approachable and colloquial, kept credible by named expert presenters and concrete outcomes such as PD clock hours. LEAD Credential copy moves toward emotional, identity-led language.
## Vocabulary
Prefer (pricing as of 2026): 'FREE' or '100% free' next to the CTA verb; 'joyful'; 'ready-to-use'; 'play-based'; 'only in the SFL ECE portal'; 'earn PD clock hours upon completion'; CTA 'It's easy. Why wait? Sign up today.'
Avoid: No em dashes; avoid 'craft'; avoid 'SFLECE' shorthand for cold audiences; avoid blanket 'don't miss this' urgency.
```yaml
prefer:
- word: "FREE / 100% free, next to the call-to-action verb (pricing as of 2026)"
tier: core
rationale: "Owner-approved; free access is central to the offer"
- word: "joyful"
tier: default
- word: "ready-to-use"
tier: default
- word: "play-based"
tier: default
- word: "only in the SFL ECE portal"
tier: default
- word: "earn PD clock hours upon completion"
tier: default
- word: "It's easy. Why wait? Sign up today."
tier: default
rationale: "Owner-approved call to action"
avoid:
- word: "em dashes"
tier: core
rationale: "Owner-approved style rule"
- word: "craft"
tier: default
rationale: "Owner-approved avoid list"
- word: "SFLECE as shorthand"
tier: contextual
context: "Cold or purchased email lists; spell out The Source for Learning ECE"
rationale: "Unfamiliar audiences do not recognize the abbreviation"
- word: "don't miss this, as blanket urgency"
tier: default
rationale: "Urgency only with a real deadline or event"
```
## Punctuation and formatting rules
```yaml
em_dashes: never
oxford_comma: gap
headline_periods: gap
exclamation_points: gap
sentence_case_headlines: gap
capitalization_notes: "FREE may appear in capitals, as on the sflece.org homepage. Exclamation points are observed in homepage headlines; no rule has been set."
```
## Channel modulation
Known registrants: get to the point. Cold or purchased lists: introduce The Source for Learning ECE in a sentence or two, spell out the name, lead with free, flexible, online PD. LEAD: emotional and identity-led, anchored on 'The Confidence to Lead.'
```yaml
contexts:
email_known_registrants:
tone: "Get to the point"
register: "Casual and direct"
email_cold_or_purchased_lists:
tone: "Introduce The Source for Learning ECE in a sentence or two, spell out the name, lead with free, flexible, online PD"
register: "Approachable, introductory"
lead_credential:
tone: "Emotional and identity-led, anchored on The Confidence to Lead"
register: "Warm, aspirational"
social: gap
support: gap
advertising: gap
```
## Copy examples
Language sample (sflece.org homepage): "Leading & Learning with Confidence!" "Unlock timesaving, ready-to-use classroom and professional learning resources. All in one place, always FREE!"
| On-brand | Off-brand |
|----------|-----------|
| Leading & Learning with Confidence! | [gap] No verified off-brand sample on file |
| Unlock timesaving, ready-to-use classroom and professional learning resources. All in one place, always FREE! | [gap] No verified off-brand sample on file |
---
bcp_version: "2.0.0"
file_type: anti_ai
parent: https://registry.encodedbrands.ai/the-source-for-learning-ece-54cf3585/.well-known/brand/voice.md
last_updated: 2026-10-22
---
# Anti-AI Voice
```yaml
community_reference:
- url: gap
rationale: "[gap] No community reference list selected yet."
brand_additions:
- type: pattern
pattern: "Em dashes"
rationale: "Owner-approved rule: the brand never uses em dashes."
- type: structure
pattern: "Long, descriptive, feature-led paragraphs and stat lists"
rationale: "Owner-approved: the voice is short and scannable, value first."
- type: opener
pattern: "Blanket urgency such as Don't miss this without a real deadline or event"
rationale: "Owner-approved: urgency only with a real deadline or event."
- type: phrase
pattern: "craft"
rationale: "Owner-approved avoid list."
```