Activity 3.1 | Shared Vision, Goals and Philosophy

To create shared vision and philosophy statements, consider how you could: 

• Host meetings where all staff members, including educators, administrators, and support staff, can openly share their values, beliefs, and goals for the centre. Start with a prompt such as: What do we want children and families to feel when they walk into our centre?

• Involve families and community members in the process. This could be done together with staff, but as families' lives are busy, consider asking for contributions through surveys, and short feedback sessions. This ensures the vision reflects the needs and aspirations of those the centre serves.

• Have educators observe and reflect on everyday practices in the centre. Identify what is working well and aligns with the collective values, and build your vision and philosophy around those strengths.

• Draw on the BC Early Learning Framework and ECEBC code of ethics to guide your thinking. 

• Collaboratively draft a philosophy statement that captures shared visions for practice in the centre. Revisit it, reflect and question if each line uses language that reflects inclusivity, and diversity. Treat the vision and philosophy as living documents. Schedule regular reviews to ensure they evolve with the team, families, and community's changing needs and values.

• Acknowledge the input of every participant in shaping the vision and philosophy, reinforcing a sense of shared ownership and collaboration.