Proactive measures incorporated faithfully throughout all program activities and designed to circumvent undesirable behavior. This might include songs or games during transitions, quiet individual activities at the ready for students who have completed homework or a group activity, and any number of positive reinforcement practices for students “caught” at desirable behaviors.

What a partner or parent will see, hear and feel when they come into your program. The climate will demonstrate what your organization values.  

These statements describe what your program’s values look like in action and what behaviors you expect to see from staff. Each culture statement (or value) will inform multiple climate statements.

A short description of each of the values your program collectively agrees to embrace, and keep at the center of all you do. Each value will have its own culture statement.

Essential practices by staff that honor the program’s culture. Examples include timely arrival, personally greeting all students every day, refraining from gossiping about students or each other, and praising publicly but disciplining privately.

A fun, positive activity to break the ice at the start of your program year.  Ideally, this activity will provide a safe space for individuality and build trust with students by connecting with them individually and showing them you care. Examples are, “Find Someone Here Who…” Bingo, Two Truths and a Lie, or the Name Game.

A brief statement of how a program will achieve its vision, conveying what your program will do, who it will serve, and how it will serve them.  

A program environment that allows your students and staff to do their best work. Your program’s vision and mission statements will yield a positive learning environment when implemented with fidelity.

An inspiring, brief statement which describes the big picture goals of your program regarding long run achievement for students and families. This statement will take into consideration the fundamental purpose of your organization, challenges your families face and how their outcome will be different when your program succeeds.

A deeper look into your program climate, a welcoming environment is made up of staff behaviors and physical space aspects which convey directly and indirectly that you are delighted to have your students and families in your program. This ranges from greetings to respecting dignity in all circumstances, to offering accommodations for special needs, all underpinned with a warm tone and approachability of staff.