Program history is something early learning organizations should include in their operating handbooks. This post examines why, what to share, and tips for writing such a history.

Why Share A Program’s History?

Here are 3 reasons to share your program history in you operating handbook:

• Highlights Growth And Stability—Knowing the roots of an early learning program provides parents, educators, administrators, and other stakeholders with a contextual understanding of its evolution. How has the program changed over time? What challenges has it overcome? These insights help in appreciating the program’s journey and its response to changing educational needs.
• Builds Identity And Culture—Sharing the history of an early learning program helps establish its unique identity and culture. Sharing the program’s values, milestones, and challenges helps foster a sense of belonging among staff, students, and families. It creates a shared narrative that binds the community together.
• Establishes Trust And Credibility—A transparent account of its history builds trust and credibility, demonstrating a commitment to openness and accountability.

What To Include

Here are 5 categories of information to consider including in your program’s history:

• Milestones And Achievements—Consider documenting key milestones, achievements, and notable events that have shaped the program.
• Changes And Adaptations—Outline significant changes or adaptations the program has undergone, such as curriculum changes, philosophical shifts, or facility expansions.
• Challenges And Adversity—Be candid about the challenges faced by the program over its history and how it overcame them. Discussing obstacles highlights a culture of resilience and problem-solving.
• Personal Profiles—Introduce key individuals who have participated in the program’s history, such as founders, long-serving educators, community leaders who have supported the program, and former students. This personal touch adds depth to the narrative and underscores the program’s significance.
• Community Engagement—Describe the program’s relationship with the local community. How has it contributed to community development, and how has the community shaped the program?

Writing Tips

Here are 4 things to consider when composing your program history:

• Consider Chronological Storytelling—Chronologically Organizing the history provides a clear timeline of the program’s evolution. This structure helps readers follow the narrative easily, from the founding vision to the present day.
• Share Anecdotes And Personal Stories—Incorporating anecdotes and personal stories humanizes the history. Share heartwarming or inspiring stories about educators, students, and other program community members. Such inclusions add a relatable and emotional dimension to the narrative.
• Include Visuals—Integrating visuals such as photographs, illustrations, and timelines breaks up the text and makes the history visually appealing. Historic visual elements capture attention and provide a tangible connection to the past.
• Use Clear And Concise Language—Keep the language clear, concise, and accessible. Avoid jargon or overly complex terms that may hinder understanding.

Real-World Sample Policies

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.

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

Sample 4

Sample Program History

This sample program history for the fictitious Playvolution Child Care Institute incorporates the above considerations.

Program History Wrap-Up

Documenting the history of early learning programs is not merely an exercise in nostalgia. It’s a chance to highlight stability, build identity, and establish trust. These benefits are well worth the time and effort it takes to compose such a history.

Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning
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