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Module 9: Program Planning and Development

Mission Statements

Page 4
Staff members’ responsibilities in carrying out the program’s mission statement.
    
All programs are developed because of an idea that one person or a group of people had in creating an early learning environment.  A mission statement connects this original vision or idea for the program with what the program actually does on a daily basis.  Mission statements give staff and families a clear idea of how the program’s views and philosophy are part of their daily practice.  It is important that all the stakeholders in the early learning environment have knowledge of and adhere to the program’s mission.

In early childhood education programs, mission statements carry great meaning and are an important part of the program.  Mission statements can also be called vision statements, because they typically describe what makes a program unique or explain the overall vision of the program.  Not all mission statements look alike or even contain the same information.

Writing a mission statement can be done by the program’s board or larger community involving parents, children and staff together.  The mission statement can be a “work in progress” or evolve over time as the community of learners changes or grows. 

Here are some ideas to help shape your program’s mission statement:
  • Revisit the ideas of how and why the program began.
  • Think about how the program should grow.
  • Describe what is special and valued in the program.
  • Communicate the services that your program offers to children, families, staff and volunteers.
  • Include philosophies, beliefs and goals.
  • Think about when you’d like to re-write or review the mission.

Good mission statements are short and succinct, memorable, and inspiring.

Once completed, programs need to decide how the mission statement will be shared.  Some ideas include:
  • Posting the statement in a public area in the early learning environment
  • Placing it in the program’s handbook
  • Printing it on flyers or forms that will be distributed to families or the public
  • Adding it to the program’s newsletter or web site. 

Be sure to also include it in the orientation of new families and staff and ask for feedback. 

Mission statements should not be ‘fluffy’ or include information that does not relate to the program philosophy.  Once a program’s mission statement is written and shared, it is the responsibility of those who work within the program to keep it in mind as they provide day to day care and education for the children and families they serve.


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