Guiding Principles

These are the principles that we hold to be true as we implement the Early Learning Standards in early childhood programs serving children ages three to five.

• Respect and the well-being of children and families will be given the highest priority in the organization and planning of community actions.



• Policymakers will take into consideration and be knowledgeable about the education, care and support of children and families when developing and assessing legislation, regulation and funding of programs for young children.



• Families will be respected and supported as partners in the education and development of their child.



• Teachers, families and children will use play as a way to develop the whole child, generate knowledge of the larger world and support the development of qualities for lifelong learning.



• Educators will base their decisions upon current knowledge of predictable sequences of child development and how children learn, the differences among children and families and subjects that are related to the interests of children.



• Child development theory will be a foundation for teaching — recognizing that learning is sequential, dependent upon experience, and based on knowledge of the whole child, including the child’s culture and individual characteristics.



• All children will be regarded and respected as competent individuals who differ in their learning styles, their home environments and the ways that they understand and represent their world.



• Children will learn in an environment where their physical and psychological needs are met so they feel safe, valued as unique individuals and engaged actively in acquiring new skills and knowledge.



• A child’s sense of responsibility to self and others will be best supported when teachers, the environment and materials take into consideration the ways that society and culture influence learning and support citizenship.



• Educational programs will be developed in partnership with families, teachers, and the community in order to inspire children to acquire knowledge, build new skills, seek challenges and develop as citizens.