Adventist early childhood programs have a special role to play in the evangelism of young children. In recognition of this, last year the North American Division appointed an Early Childhood Task Force to study and explore options for the development of an organizational structure for all Adventist early childhood programs throughout the NAD. This is the first time the Church has looked at early childhood programs with an intentional eye for evangelism.
The term "organizational structure" refers to the division of authority and responsibility between the union, local conference, and local church, school and preschool. The focus is effective communication and coordination, which allows each entity to perform its function successfully.
So What?
Organizational structure is important for many reasons. Without it, the church would not be effective in its evangelistic efforts throughout the world, and the educational system would not be as highly-regarded or as successful as it has been. Confusion, strife, unnecessary duplication of efforts and competition could decimate evangelistic efforts.
The premise behind organizational structure is that God is a God of order and planning and does nothing haphazardly. Ellen White was given clear council on how to organize the Adventist church. She was also given directions for developing an effective educational system. Because Adventist early childhood programs are evangelistic at their core, they benefit from following a model consistent with the evangelistic and educational philosophies of the Church.
Providing an organizational structure means more than creating a hierarchical design chart, risk management and loss control, though. It incorporates the development of an early childhood curriculum that is distinctly Adventist; policies and procedures specifically designed to enhance the level of service while providing protection for employees; and a teacher and administrator certification process which respects various levels of formal education and years of experience. It also requires conference and union administrators to include affordable and realistic education options for current employees, commensurate pay, insurance options and nationally-recognized center accreditation.
Within the Union
Within the Pacific Union, the concept of organizational structure has been in place for several years. The Southeastern California Conference led the way in the development of policies and procedures, which have been edited and adapted for use throughout the entire union to provide stability and continuity within Adventist programs. In addition, the union has pioneered the development of an Adventist early childhood teacher certification process and is working to develop a distinctly Adventist curriculum.
The goal of the union is to lead the way in the development of an organizational structure that will be relevant and meaningful to every Adventist early childhood program within the NAD — and abroad. The union actively recruits early childhood specialists, including teachers, directors, college professors and students. These people use their expertise to guide the development of the overall structure.
The union also plans to develop protocols for a nationally-recognized center accreditation process, affordable teacher education alternatives and child-centered assessment practices.
The Adventist Child Care Network has been one of the active participants in the development of the organizational structure within the union. This network is a valuable resource in helping the union understand the challenges facing Adventist early childhood professionals. The early childhood organizational structure within the Pacific Union may one day be supported and fully recognized throughout the North American Division.
