Why Your Early Childhood Program Needs Core Values

Welcome😊📋

Last week I wrote about the importance of reflecting on this past year and how it can strengthen your early childhood program. As I started my reflection process, I began to think about our early childhood program's core values and what we can do to strengthen them in 2025.

Does your early childhood program have Core Values?

Core values play an important role in the success of any program, especially in contexts like education, where teacher retention and family enrollment are key to sustainability. By aligning the program's core values with the needs and expectations of both teachers and families, programs can create a supportive and thriving environment.

Here's how core values contribute to these two important aspects:

Creating core values for your childcare program is an important process that involves reflecting on what principles and beliefs are fundamental to your mission and guiding how your program operates.

Wondering where to start? Here are 2 steps to get you started:

1. Define the purpose of your childcare program- before you create core values, clarify the purpose or mission of your childhood program. Ask yourself:

• Why does your program exist?

• What are the goals you want to achieve for the children, families, and staff?

• What impact do you want your program to have on the community?

Your core values should align with this mission, so it’s important to have a clear sense of purpose first.

2. Involve others: Core values should be representative of the collective beliefs and goals of everyone involved in your program.

• Staff: Teachers, caregivers, and administrators who can offer insights into what principles are most important in day-to-day interactions with children and families.

• Families: Get feedback from the families of the children you serve. What do they value in a childcare setting? What are their expectations for your program?

• Children: While children might not be involved directly in the process, consider what values will benefit their development and well-being (e.g. kindness, respect, communication).

• Keep It Simple: Think about the values that would reflect your program’s unique culture and philosophy

Remember Core values should be clear, concise, and easy to remember😊 Only aim for 4-6 core values that are manageable and impactful.

Getting your employees on board with your core values and ensuring they live those values in their daily work is crucial for creating a consistent and positive environment in your early childhood program.

Here are 7 Strategies for Engaging Employees, and Helping Them Fully Embrace and Embody your Core Values:

1. Involve Employees in the Development Process: include employees in the creation and refinement of the program to ensure their buy-in and commitment.

2. Provide Clear and Meaningful Training: Offer comprehensive training that clearly communicates the core values and their importance.

3. Lead by Example: Demonstrate the core values through your actions as a leader to inspire others.

4. Create an Accountability System: Establish a system that holds employees accountable for embodying the core values in their work.

5. Celebrate and Recognize Positive Behavior: Acknowledge and reward employees who exemplify the core values, reinforcing positive behavior.

6. Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing the core values and sharing feedback.

7. Integrate Core Values into Daily Routines: Incorporate the core values into everyday activities and decision-making processes within the organization.

 An early childhood program that actively lives out its core values will create an environment where teachers are motivated to stay, families are eager to enroll and remain, and the program itself thrives in the long run.

Till Next Time,

Jen Sprafka🖍️

P.S. If you would like some guidance creating core values for your early childcare program please reach out to me: [email protected]