Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Highland Park Community Early Learning Center, a non-profit organization, is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, volunteers, and families feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, education, or any other basis.

We’re committed to being nondiscriminatory and providing equal opportunities for employment, volunteering, and advancement in all areas of our work.

We respect the value that diverse life experiences bring to our board, leadership, staff and families and we strive to listen to their views and give them value.

We’re committed to modeling diversity, inclusion, and equity and maintaining fair and equal treatment for all.

Our board’s philosophy is to provide informed leadership for diversity, inclusion, and equity including:

1. Striving to see diversity, inclusion, and equity in connection with our vision and mission for the benefit of those we serve.
2. Aiming to recognize and address inequities in our policies, programs, and services.
3. Updating and documenting progress on our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
4. Committing to being transparent about diversity in all our interactions.
5. Striving for diversity within our board and leadership positions.
6. Committing to leading with respect and tolerance and we encourage all employees and volunteers to express this in their work within our organization.

To the best of our ability, Highland Park Community Early Learning Center commits to the following action items to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in our work:

1. We will create new learning opportunities and formal, transparent policies as we strive for cultural competence throughout our organization.
2. We will take action to improve diversity, inclusion, and equity in our board and leadership positions.
3. We will identify resources for our underrepresented constituents by networking with other organizations that are also committed to efforts for diversity, inclusion, and equity.
4. We will train our personnel to be responsible for orienting, onboarding, and training our staff and volunteers on equitable practices.
5. We will be transparent about the salary range for public job descriptions.

Board Approval date: 8.27.24