• Philosophy
  • Our Mission
  • Goals & Objectives
  • Values
  • Constructivism
  • Five Protective Factors
• History
• Our Staff
• Our Board
  • Board Roster
  • Strategic Plan

Key values guide decision making, promote our practice, and support the Leelanau Children's Center's mission: CHILDREN MATTER.

Relationship-based practice

We know that human beings have essential needs: food, shelter and human connections. We know that without any of the three, people languish, do not develop adequately and meet an untimely death. On the other hand, when the three essentials are robustly provided, humans typically thrive. LCC is all about a thriving society, so relationship-based practice has become a defining value of our work. Research supports this approach, and Leelanau County is a locale rich in relationships, an approach that fits our community marvelously.

How does LCC implement relationship-based practice?

Rich Interactions

Humans develop based on interactions and experiences.  We develop well when the interactions are rich and appropriate. We develop poorly when interactions and experiences are paltry or inappropriate. Healthy development is the goal of LCC and among our primary values is supplying children and families with rich and nourishing interactions with people, concepts, materials, ideas, etc.

How does LCC implement rich interactions?

Sustainability

Sustainability is a value that runs through all aspects of our work. We believe that we must make decisions that take a cause and effect approach, examining the potential effects of our actions. We like to believe that we consider our effect seven generations into the future.

How does LCC implement sustainability?

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Practices such as Developmentally Appropriate Practice, local purchasing, family support, engaged staff development and natural playscapes are all promoted by the LCC values. Leelanau Children's Center staff constantly refer to the values in decision-making.