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Mission Statement
Human development is a lifelong process.  Motor development involves changes in movement behavior across the life span, and the processes that may cause the changes.  Motor skills develop from interaction between the self-selected activities that one chooses and the imposed experiences of life, plus one's hereditary potential.   Becoming an efficient and effective mover can enhance the quality of life of any individual, whether a child, athlete, grandparent, or individual with a disability.   The study of motor development can have an impact on how we "parent," educate, rehabilitate, coach, counsel, and value movement behavior across the life span.   Knowledge about motor development spans the life cycle and crosses academic disciplines.  A center, which has motor development as its focus, should be interdisciplinary, life span oriented, and should promote optimal skillful and adaptive movements.

Mission Statement:
The mission of the WV Motor Development Center at West Virginia University is to serve as a state resource center that promotes appropriate movement experiences for skill acquisition and physical performance for individuals of all ages and abilities, including people with developmental disabilities.  Center staff conduct demonstration programs and applied research, disseminate information, an offer technical assistance and training.

Premises:
The West Virginia Motor Development Center is committed to promoting physical activity through out West Virginia for all ages and abilities. Our Mission is based on these premises:

• Children need to be more active to reduce the risks of heart disease and obesity
• We need to encourage increased activity at an early age
• The activities need to be fun and pleasant
• It should be encouraged and modeled by the family
• Children are empowered by choice

Goals:

• Increase awareness of the significance of motor development and its dynamic role in the process of human development.
  
• Serve as a state resource center for information about developmental skill acquisition and physical performance across the life span.
  
• Conduct applied research.
  
• Promote healthy decision making in West Virginia families.
  
• Promote the participation of individuals of all ages and abilities in programs of physical activity.
  
• Create and expand quality activity programs and services that can be replicated in communities throughout West Virginia and elsewhere.
  
• Promote and maintain good public relations with agencies, professionals, parents, paraprofessionals, and the general public.
  
• Instill a commitment to lifetime fitness and activity.
  
• Provide leadership in West Virginia by participating in activities essential for development of public policy and legislation concerned with daily physical education for school aged children.
  
• Coordinate inter disciplinary involvement of college and university faculty into the Center's activities.
  
• Create opportunities for college and university students to gain valuable experience through course work, labs, and internships within the Center's activities and projects.