Philosophy and Mission
As a denomination, Seventh-day Adventists see the early education of the child as a continual growth process.
“Too much importance cannot be placed on the early training of children. The lessons learned, the habits formed, during the years of infancy and childhood, have more to do with the formation of the character and the direction of the life than have all the instruction and training of after years.”
MH , page 380
Quality child care is an urgent need in today’s society. Traditionally, parents are responsible for providing this care. However, because of the rapidly changing structure of today’s family, it becomes necessary for parents to find assistance to give their child the best care possible. In 1904 the church was counseled and strongly encouraged to provide for the training of younger children in situations where parents work out of the home and/or find themselves lacking in parental skills. (See Sanitarium Church School Board Minutes of January 14, 1904; “Counsel on Early School Attendance”, Review and Herald , April 24, 1975.) The Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists early childhood program strives to follow that counsel in offering healthy, safe, Christian environments to parents of the church and its community for their young children.
For “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come unto Me and forbid them not, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ ” Matthew 19:14
The mission of the Southern Union Conference early childhood program is to provide quality care and sound educational experience from birth through four years of age by well-qualified personnel in safe, age-appropriate environments while maintaining the Christian principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Our objective includes following high standards with developmentally appropriate practices for young children in a ministry and service to families of the church and community.
Statistics
Approximately 85 Seventh-day Adventist early childhood programs are located throughout the eight southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Approximately 2,000 young children ranging from birth to five years of age are enrolled in Seventh-day Adventist early childhood education and care programs across the Southern Union Conference.
Links:
National Association for the Education of Young Children contains helpful information that promotes excellence in early childhood education.
National Institute for Early Education Research supports early childhood education initiatives by providing objective, nonpartisan information based on research.
National Child Care Information Center is national clearinghouse and technical assistance center that links parents, providers, policy-makers, researchers, and the public to early care and education information.
Wisconsin Child Care Improvement Project visit the (WCCIP) website for good business budgeting, marketing and other tips.
National Association of Child Care Professionals is committed to strengthen the skills of child care owners, directors, and administrators who are dedicated to early care and education, and lead the child care industry.
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