As early childhood professionals, our primary mission is to support the early connections between very young children and their caregivers that are critical to their well-being and development.
We understand healthy relationships are essential for creating the foundations for successful futures and improving outcomes for all children.
We are guided by the principle belief that how we are—with children, caregivers, and colleagues—is as important as what we do. We understand that our own relationships must be guided by self-awareness, trust, respect, flexibility, and collaboration in order for us to work effectively.
In our care and practice, we strive to:
- Be mindful and respectful of each child and caregiver’s unique needs, temperament, abilities, ethnicity, and culture
- Use our knowledge and skills to promote, repair, and sustain nurturing relationships
- Maintain a high level of professional competence and work to continuously acquire new knowledge and skills
- Conduct ourselves with a high level of integrity and in ways that are ethical, honest, trustworthy, lawful, and responsible
- Develop and advance coordinated, collaborative, and comprehensive early childhood systems in order to provide the high-quality care and services very young children and caregivers require and deserve
- Advocate for working conditions, effective supervision, professional development, and resources that elevate the field and promote best practice
