I can't take credit for writing this pledge, but I am most sincere in committing myself to these principles in my work with each and every child.

I pledge to:

• Support children by caring about them, bringing out their best qualities, cheering them on, and celebrating who they are and what they do.

• Empower children by valuing them for who they are, listening to them, respecting their opinions, and helping them find ways to carry out their dreams.

• Set clear boundaries for children and hold children accountable when they act inappropriately, while showing them appropriate ways to act.

• Expect children to grow and develop, stretch their abilities, and reach their full potential.

• Advocate and ensure that children have constructive activities – meaningful ways to spend their time no matter where they are.

• Encourage children to have a commitment to learning, find ways to make learning interesting and fun, modeling my love of learning, and tapping into the motivation that each child has within.

• Instill positive values in children, helping them see the importance of caring, equality, social justice, integrity, honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect for themselves and others.

• Teach children social competencies, emphasizing the lifelong skills of decision making, planning, social skills, cultural competence, resistance skills, and peaceful conflict resolution.