Our Principles
From the start, everyone involved in developing a plan for Springfield’s youngest children agreed on a number of over-arching principles that are reflected in the name chosen for the initiative, Cherish Every Child. These principles include:
- Caring – The plan should demonstrate a spirit of caring that goes beyond the provision of bare essentials
- Cultural Competence – Programs must be designed and implemented in ways that acknowledge, accommodate, and celebrate Springfield’s diversity
- Universality – The plan should encompass all young children in Springfield, with eligibility not restricted by income or risk factors
- Respect for Parental/Family Role – The plan should recognize the critical role parents and family caregivers play in planning for their children
- Quality – Programs and services recommended should be in accord with the best practices known to promote healthy child development
- Accessibility – Obstacles that prevent families from using services should be identified and removed. Whenever feasible, services and programs should be low-cost or free
- Research Basis – Recommendations for programs and services should be solidly based on what is known about child development and intervention measures that are proven to work.
