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