What does it look like when a person in our schools reflects our core values?


We act with respect.
A person who is part of the Young School family:
- Fosters relationships as the foundation for learning and working collaboratively with children, families, co-workers and administration.
- Speaks respectfully at all times – follows the “Polly Rule” and exhibits a welcoming attitude.
- Works collaboratively at all levels and is fully engaged on a daily basis.
- Listens
- Values differences and diversity in children and adults by acknowledging the unique gifts of individuals and finding their strengths to build upon.
- Accepts responsibility for actions and remains open to learning and growing from all experiences.
- Keeps all spaces shared with children and adults clean, organized, and beautiful.
We work with intention.
A person who is part of the Young School family:
- Believes in the Young School vision for educating young children and consistently strives for the highest quality.
- Creates a thoughtful environment that fosters relationships and provokes learning at all levels.
- Uses reflection as a compass to guide planning and decisions.
- Follows through.
- Works to widen the capabilities of children and adults by creating opportunities for learning and expression.
- Engages fully in opportunities for professional growth through observation, videotaping, feedback, evaluations, informal and formal training.


We are guided by a strong image of the child.
A person who is part of the Young School family:
- Consistently shows through words and actions the core belief that children are capable and competent.
- Provides opportunities for children to express themselves through a multitude of languages.
- Collaborates with children as equals, viewing them as partners in learning.
- Asks authentic questions.
- Trusts children with materials.
- Documents children’s work respectfully and collaboratively, using it as a platform for revisiting, re-launching and celebrating learning.
- Acts in a manner that fosters an equally strong image of the teacher.