Table of Contents
A mission statement shares the organization’s purpose. It explains why they exist. Ideally, it builds on a broad vision statement, defining an explicit, actionable declaration of intent. A mission statement offers a big-picture look at the program’s primary goals. It helps build unity of purpose and guides decision-making.
Purpose
A well-crafted mission statement gives a program direction and meaning. A mission statement should:
- Define Purpose—Highlight what the program sees as its essential work.
- Build Unity—Provide staff and other stakeholders with a common goal everyone can work toward.
- Guide Decision-Making—Provide a framework for deciding how the program will operate.
Where To Include
At Playvolution HQ, we recommend using the Three Handbook Method and adding this policy to your Operating Handbook.
Considerations
When drafting a mission statement for a play-based program, keep these factors in mind:
- Clarity And Simplicity—Use concise, accessible language that resonates with staff, parents, and other stakeholders.
- Developmental Focus—Incorporate how the program supports physical, social-emotional, adaptive, communicative, and cognitive growth.
Real-World Mission Statements
NOTE: The following samples are real-world examples relating to this post’s topic and are provided as a reference for creating your own policies and procedures. Sharing them here is not a recommendation of their content.
This post is intended to spark reflection and suggest ways of addressing the topic covered when writing or updating policies and procedures. Your policies and procedures should be written to meet your program’s needs and unique circumstances.
Browse More Policy & Procedure Resources Here
Example 1
Grace House Preschool exists to focus attention on God’s grace as He transforms us into a community that delights in Him, is marked by selfless care for others, and proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ with
gospel-transformed words, relationships, vocations, and lifestyles resulting in the transformation of the communities of the Triad and the world.
Care is taken to work with children according to recognized standards for childcare and early education. We seek to promote creativity, to expose children to learning through play, unit lesson studies, art, music,
etc. We want to help them learn values and ideals through being exposed to Christian beliefs. The emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development of each child is the major goal of the staff. In
other words, the total personal development, according to his/her individual abilities and needs, is our primary concern.
Grace House Preschool supports the “parent-child” relationship. Our job is not to take the place of or compete with the child’s family. The teachers will be a supportive agent to help further a warm relationship
between parent and child. We recognize that parents are the most important people in the lives of their children.
Grace House Preschool does not discriminate based on race, color, national, or ethnic origin. (0046)
Example 2
The mission of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Child Care Center is to provide a high quality child care and early education program for children of students, faculty, staff and the community of the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the Omaha community, as well as opportunities for training and research to enhance the knowledge of care, education and development of young children.
The University of Nebraska-Omaha Child Care Center strives to balance its unique culture with the cultural interests of each family served. Respect for the Center’s diverse community is reflected in the curricula, environment, development goals and parent/teacher/child interactions.
The University of Nebraska-Omaha Child Care Center collaborates with faculty, schools, and community groups to advocate for improved
resources for young children and their families. Research activities in related fields of study are intended to promote knowledge of developmental issues and practices relevant to early childhood
education, early learning and practical application of this knowledge.
The University of Nebraska-Omaha Child Care Center provides opportunities for university students and members of the community to increase their knowledge of child development, developmentally
appropriate teaching practices, anti-bias and non-violence program planning, child care administration and parent/teacher/child
interactions.
The University of Nebraska-Omaha Child Care Center promotes evaluation of its current programmatic components such as toddler and preschool curricula, child nutrition, parent involvement, multi-cultural diversity and creative environments for children. In-service and pre-service experiences include classroom observations and
directed experiences.
As the field of Early Childhood Care and Education evolves to meet the growing needs of today’s children and families, the University of Nebraska Omaha Child Care Center will continue to provide a
leadership role in teaching, training, and research at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. (0109)
Example 3
At Morning Star Child Care children are gently encouraged to discover their individual strengths and unique talents. We believe that each child possesses a marvelous capacity to learn. Learning is best accomplished in a place that is emotionally secure, physically safe, and fun! (0072)
Example 4
Nurturing the child, encouraging faith and supporting the family. (0019)
Sample Mission Statement
This sample mission statement for the fictitious Playvolution Child Care Institute incorporates the above considerations. It is only intended as a guideline. Your mission statement should be unique to your program.
Mission Statement
Nurturing growth and development through child-led play and exploration.
Notes
Here are related resources:
- 3 Valuable Tips For Writing A Mission Statement
- The 6-Tier Programming Consistency Hierarchy
- A Clear Process For Creating Early Learning Policies And Procedures
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Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
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