Vision and Mission
Typically, early childhood programs are guided by a particular vision statement that clearly articulates what the program wants to achieve and a mission statement that succinctly describes how it will do so. The vision and mission of individual programs can be quite different (see Figure 2.1). One program might emphasize literacy, for example, while another focuses on the arts. Although they are both working toward the same purposeto provide high-quality care and education for young childrentheir methods can vary considerably. Theoretically, all decisions made for the program, including choice of curriculum, should be consistent with the articulated vision and mission.