“We Believe List” From the 4th Child Care Summit As child care providers of the children of Coos County, we believe: That our children deserve qualified and educated staff, who have a deep and current understanding of childhood development, expertise in early intervention, and who work as a team. That a loving and communicative relationship should exist between the teacher and child, as well as the between the teacher and the child’s family, because this is the foundation for a successful early childhood experience. That the learning environment that surrounds the child and teacher, dictates the level of success that is attainable; this includes a safe and healthy physical environment, as well as a respectful rapport between the child, teacher, family, and the community at large. That we must continue to be passionate about our field and extend our expertise by providing parents and all staff, including substitute staff, with tools to support the children in our care. That we must eliminate all barriers to providing the highest level of care for all children in Coos County, including, but not limited to, appropriate child/teacher ratios, improving staff knowledge and morale, and improving student outcomes so that all children approach the public schools ready to learn.