EARLY EDUCATION CONFERENCE - Association of ... Early Education...Kristin has also worked as an inpatient speech-language pathologist at Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters

January 28, 2017Apopka, FL

EARLY EDUCATION CONFERENCE

ACSI Early Education Conference 2017—Apopka, FL | 3

Welcome!Dear Early Educators,

Welcome to ACSI’s Early Education Conference! You play a vital role in helping young children grow a strong foundation in all areas of their development. Our team is excited to offer you a group of speakers and topics that will help you grow professionally and spiritually with purposeful, faith-based professional development.

During this conference, I invite you to review ACSI’s newly adopted Early Education Foundation Statements, included in this journal. Our mission, vision, and core values align with God’s Word and the special way children were created to learn. When appropriate, our presenters used these Foundation Statements as a reference when preparing their sessions.

Thank you for attending this conference. My personal respect, prayers, and thanks go out to all of you.

Sincerely,

Sara Jo Dillard, MEd Director of Early Education ResourcesAssociation of Christian Schools International

SpeakerKristin Barbour Executive Director NILD - National Institute for Learning Development

Kristin’s passion is bringing lifelong learning to life and developing independent learners. She is an internationally respected educator and keynote speaker. In addition to being an educational therapist for NILD, Kristin is an authorized trainer in the Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment Program. Prior to becoming NILD’s Executive Director, Kristin was the Director of Discovery Program, Inc. (DPI), a community-based organization providing intervention services to students with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and ADHD in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Kristin has also worked as an inpatient speech-language pathologist at Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia.

EARLYEDUCATION CONFERENCEJanuary 28, 2017 • Apopka, FL

4 | ACSI Early Education Conference 2017—Apopka, FL

Important Information

MealsOption 1: Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich/Chips/DessertOption 2: Chick-fil-A® Grilled Market Salad/Drink

Obtaining Professional Development Clock HoursCEU certificates are included in the conference journal. Delegates will be responsible for attaching labels to their certificates. Labels will be available during each session. A full day attendance will provide .7 CEUs.

Conference EvaluationPlease complete your conference evaluation, provided in your conference journal, at the end of each workshop. Completed forms will be collected during the closing session for door-prize drawings.

Online Professional DevelopmentACSI ConNEXUS Premium is complimentary through November 2017 to all registered delegates who are at an ACSI member school or have an IACEE membership. Nexus Premium includes professional webinars, workshops, and other resources which are available for in-service credit. Go online to acsi.org > Professional Development > ConNexus Premium: On-Demand CEUs. Please contact ACSI’s Florida Regional office at [email protected] or call 727-734-7096.

Conference Schedule

Time Event Location

7:15 am – 8:00 am Registration Fellowship Hall

8:00 am – 9:25 am Session 1: Kristin Barbour Church Auditorium

9:25 am – 9:55 am Refreshment Break Fellowship Hall

9:55 am – 10:55 am Session 2: Workshop 1 Various

11:05 am – 12:00 pm Lunch and Learn: Holly Cromer Church Auditorium / Fellowship Hall

12:05 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch and Learn: Holly Cromer Church Auditorium / Fellowship Hall

1:05 pm – 2:05 pm Session 4: Kristin Barbour Church Auditorium

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm Session 5: Workshop 2 Various

3:25 pm – 4:25 pm Session 6: Kristin Barbour Church Auditorium

4:25 pm – 4:55 pm Closing: ACSI Staff Church Auditorium


SessionsSession 1 – Keynote

Saturday, January 28, 8:00 am–9:25 am

Early Educators’ Hearts and Minds—Celebrating Exceptional Learners Kristin Barbour

Audience: All

Perceptions about exceptional learners range from unusual and abnormal to remarkable, and even special. God has created all in His image. Preparing our hearts and minds to love and teach all children under our care is essential. Let’s explore the art and science of educating the exceptional learner.

Session 2 – Workshop 1 Saturday, January 28, 9:55 am–10:55 am

Adding Some STEAM to Your Lesson Plans Lisa Baird

Audience: Teachers

Let’s add STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to your Bible stories and weekly themes!

Reaching Every Student Through Multiple Intelligences Instruction Kelly Baloun and Mary Massey

Audience: All

All children are smart—just in different ways. Join us for an introduction to Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences and its practical application in the early childhood classroom.

Social and Emotional Development—Supporting Positive Behavior Jeannie Forrest

Audience: All

The early years lay the foundations of a child’s social and emotional development. While applying biblical principles, we can create caring learning environments to support developmentally fitting expectations. Create new strategies or evaluate existing strategies to help children feel successful.

Treasures from Everything Crystal Bratcher

Audience: TeachersCrafts and art projects can be fun! Learn to take anything and everything and use it for anything.

Integrating Bible in the Classroom Kim Gaines

Audience: Teachers

Bring the Bible to life so the children will enjoy learning while still using mainstream themes. You will learn how to use 3D props and projects to engage the children. We will also talk about a prayer center in the classroom (taking the place of a time-out area) and how to incorporate music into our daily Bible walk.

Chapel Ideas for Young Children Julie Hendry Johnson

Audience: All

This session is designed to help faith-based weekday early education programs provide a quality chapel program that will be age-appropriate and engaging. There will be ideas for Bible lessons and bringing the stories to life, as well as examples of extending the chapel themes into the classroom and home. Chapel may be the only church experience for some of your children. A deeper look into what this means for you and your students will have us reevaluating chapel time. An overview of spiritual developmental goals will be shared, as well as an introduction to developing a Spiritual Formations Map.

Curriculum Mapping Made Easy Jan Lashbrook

Audience: All

The subject of curriculum mapping can often be confusing for preschool teachers and directors, but it doesn’t have to be. Mapping is important for an early childhood program, because it identifies what and how children learn in a particular time frame. A curriculum map is a helpful tool to show parents and colleagues where you’ve been and where you’re going with your curriculum; it also helps teachers and directors choose the best structure and content for their program and reduces redundancies and gaps in content year after year. We’ll review sample curriculum maps that have worked for preschools across the nation and find ones to fit your school’s needs.


Employee/Customer Engagement: Creating Powerful Positive Relationships and Providing Opportunities for Conflict Resolution Lori Long

Audience: All

Employee engagement is a property of the relationship between an organization and its employees. An engaged employee is fully absorbed by and enthusiastic about his or her work and also takes positive action to further the organization’s reputation and interests. Employee engagement is based on trust, integrity, two-way commitment, and communication between an organization and its members. You can use this model with employees as well as parents—your number-one customers.

REACH 2.1 Training Pat Mennenga

Audience: All

A quick overview of the newest accreditation protocol. We will look at all of the new tools and the timeline for getting prepared for an accreditation visit and even serving on an accreditation team visit. If your school is renewing within the next two years or you are new to accreditation, this workshop is for you!

Music Sets the Tone Elizabeth Olatunji

Audience: All

Integrating music in the classroom supports the development of children at this very critical period in their lives. Not only does music help with child development when integrated in lessons, but it also aids in classroom management. Music sets the tone for learning academics and helps reinforce Bible lessons. In this session we will learn and practice fun ways to keep the music going!

Designing the Preschool Setting to Foster Healthy Behaviors Sabrena Smith

Audience: All

The learning environment that the teacher sets up and implements is the groundwork for the child’s early development. How this is carried out through the teacher, coworkers, school staff, parents, volunteers, administrators,

therapist, and visitors is crucial to the early development of the child. This setting directly impacts the child’s ability to master vital skills and work through developmental delays and behavioral issues that can impact a child’s future success.

Afterschool Programs/Camps Desiree Stroumbas

Audience: After Care Staff

This play-based workshop will have you laughing and learning, as you fill your toolbox with techniques on how to implement an engaging, fun, and educational after-school program or captivating camp adventure. Ms. Dez, with over 15 years of experience creating educational enrichment programs, shares curriculum content, design, and effective tools to promote healthy development and participation. Wear your dancing shoes and get ready to play with a purpose!

Growing and Guiding Early Education Leadership Debbie Thomas

Audience: All

During this session we will discuss five different kinds of leadership needed in the field of Early Childhood Education: Pedagogical, Administrative, Advocacy, Community, and Conceptual. We will use Proverbs 3:5–6 and 1 Corinthians 15:58 to help build the biblical foundation for this session. We will look at ways to rethink what we are looking for. It’s all about relationships.

Session 3 – Lunch and Learn Saturday, January 28

11:05 am–12:00 pm; 12:05 pm–1:00 pm

Character Development—Growing Up Right Holly Cromer

Audience: All

Our culture has drifted away from a strong emphasis on righteous elements of our faith. This session will introduce participants to a cast of characters which represent 12 character traits that are foundational in early education and need to be taught with intention and application.


Session 4 Saturday, January 28, 1:05 pm–2:05 pm

Patterns and Predictions Kristin Barbour

Audience: All

Developmental milestones and predicted stages of skill acquisition provide educators with a frame of reference for the young child’s path to learning. The exceptional learner often takes a less predicted path of development. We will examine the concepts of developmental delay and learning vulnerabilities and the early educator’s different response depending on the child’s needs.

Session 5 – Workshop 2 Saturday, January 28, 2:15 pm–3:15 pm

Bible Lessons Through Play Kelly Baloun and Mary Massey

Audience: All

Come ready to move and explore the Bible through the eyes of a child! Participants will learn strategies to bring Bible lessons to life and engage all students through play and active learning.

You Don’t Have To Be Einstein to Discover Science While Exploring Art Gyia Carney

Audience: All

Science concepts occur everyday as children play and explore the world around them. Find out effective ways to make children’s discoveries come alive through visual, hands-on, and sensory art experiences. Learn about materials that support children’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder.

Spiritual Formation for Babies and Toddlers Holly Cromer

Audience: All

This session will lead participants to prioritize, firstly, their own spiritual walk and, secondly, the spiritual formations of the little ones in their care. Participants will be challenged to take a radical approach to working with preschoolers and developing their spirits above all else.

Supporting Social and Emotional Development—Teaching Through Transitions Jeannie Forrest

Audience: All

Transitions refers to change, and change can be difficult for young children. Early educators can embrace change by including meaningful teaching opportunities while helping children move from one activity to another. With intentional planning and preparation, transitions can enhance the curriculum. Design transition plans to take back to the classroom.

Having Fun with Literacy Kim Gaines

Audience: All

This session will focus on how to utilize literacy in all centers using self and parallel talk, a writing room, literacy boxes, word wall, and the outdoors. Literacy can be taught any time of the day and in any center. Teachers will be able to teach literacy in all centers using different mediums to do so; while the children are playing, they will be learning. So ditch those dittos and dig into some real learning fun.

Nurturing Environments Julie Hendry Johnson

Audience: All

Nurturing environments are a key part of every high quality program. Do you have enough space for creative art? Music and movement? Science and exploration? Does your block center seem like a war zone? How about your playground? Are you intentionally writing a learning objective for your students as they go outside each day? Are you struggling with what to do with all your classroom materials? This session is designed to help you take a look at your current classroom and playground environment and assess the learning spaces.

STEM: Fun Ways to Increase Student Engagement Jan Lashbrook

Audience: All

Bringing STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) into the early childhood classroom not only increases the learning, engagement, and creativity of our youngest students; it gets parents excited about what’s happening in the classroom, too! Learn some easy (and


inexpensive) ways to get your students engaged in learning and watch the excitement and interest for school come alive—not just for your students, but for your parents, too.

Positive Behavior Support/Early Literacy Lori Long

Audience: All

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) gives people a new way to think about behavior. PBS is based on understanding why problem behaviors occur—the behavior’s function. This approach to behavior can occur on a school wide level, in a specific setting, classroom, or with an individual student. PBS is the application of evidence-based strategies and systems to assist schools to increase academic performance and safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish positive school cultures.

Bring Your Bible Lessons Alive! Kathy Robertson

Audience: All

Share your passion for God’s Word to your children through memorable Bible lessons. This session will give suggestions and ideas so you can have confidence to “tell” Bible stories and talk about biblical character traits that are engaging and memorable.

Current Update/News Professional Credential for Early Childhood Education (ECE) Staff in Florida Sabrena Smith

Audience: All

This session will have detailed information on how to smoothly get your CDA Credential online, as well as news and updates for Florida Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the following areas: Administrators, Staff Members, CDA, FCCPC, Director’s Credential, Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Online Programs, and how the renewal process works for keeping your credential current. There will also be detailed information on the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship for Florida.

Believing in the Bible and Following Along! Desiree Stroumbas

Audience: All

Spiritual growth happens when preschoolers comprehend what’s being taught and then begin the process of applying

it. Too often, we use words to teach the attributes of Jesus. The play, say, and practice approach allows children to experience Godly traits. Through object lessons, play with a purpose, music, and fun activities, we will explore key spiritual traits that we want every preschooler to develop.

Bullying: Can It Begin in Preschool? Debbie Thomas

Audience: All

During this seminar we will look at seven areas of bullying and how to combat them in our classrooms based on research and godly principles.

Sensational Sensory Play Kathy Williams

Audience: All

Sensory play can be a great addition to any classroom! Children learn in many different ways, and sensory play can help the children in your classroom learn in a way you never imagined. Hands-on, noise-makers, sensory bags, and Fuzzy Cloud Dough are just a few of the items you can have in your classroom to enhance the learning experience. Change your classroom today and have fun learning about the exciting world of sensory play!

Session 6 – Closing Saturday, January 28, 3:25 pm–4:55 pm

Learning Is Development and Development Is Learning Kristin Barbour

Audience: All

The young child needs food, shelter, love, and the nourishment of learning. Early educators are instrumental in shaping learning and development. Stimulation produces maturation in behavior, emotions, resilience, and learning. Exceptional learners need intentional interactions with educators to develop a strong foundation for learning.


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STRONGER TOGETHER

The Early Education Resources department works in conjunction with ACSI regional offices to assist and support members. As a community of Christian early educators, we value God’s design for how young children grow and learn. Together, we are making a significant impact for God’s kingdom.

To learn more about ACSI Early Education Resources, e-mail [email protected].

Sara Jo DillardDirector

Jeannie Forrest

Assistant Director

Lisa HarmonAdmin.

Assistant

Find us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/ acsi .ear lyeducat ion


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The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) offers members biblically based resources, professional development, advocacy, and support. We are stronger together as a community of Christian early educators who value God’s design for how young children grow and learn, while applying best practices and current research in the field of early childhood education. Together, we are making a significant impact for God’s kingdom as we teach the next generation from a biblical worldview.

• Grow professionally through conferences, webinars, and more.

• Access “members only” pages on ACSI’s website.

• Download resources for classroom and program management.

• Stay informed with our monthly newsletter.

• Access ACSI’s Career Center.

• Collaborate with early educators via discussion boards.

• Meet CDA requirement to be a member of a professional organization.

Yearly membership runs July 1–June 30.

International Association of Christian Early Educators (IACEE) Member Benefits

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Principles and Practices of

Christian Early Education 2.0

Examine the essential foundations of a biblical philosophy for Christian early

educators in this eight-part series presented by Dr. Kristi Martin and Mrs. Althea Penn.

The completion of this six hour course is a requirement for early educators for

accreditation with REACH 2.1.

Individuals with a ConNEXUS Premium account can view the course on the Early Education channel.

SKU# 6646

To order, call 800.367.0798or visit www.purposefuldesign.com


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ACSI ConNEXUS Premium is unique professional development for unique educators. Through on-demand courses you can learn in the areas where you need growth.• Take courses at convenient times for you.• Choose from 40 topic-based channels and over

500 hours of courses.

ConNEXUS Premium is complimentary to ACSI members with your conference attendance.


ACSI EARLY EDUCATION FOUNDATION STATEMENTS

ACSI’S EARLY EDUCATION MISSION

ACSI offers early education services (birth through year five) that exist to strengthen early education programs and equip early educators as they prepare young children spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively and influence young children to love and follow Jesus Christ.

ACSI’S EARLY EDUCATION VISION

ACSI will become a recognized leader in Christian education, providing professional training and resources for early education programs and educators. ACSI desires programs and educators that:• Focus on the holistic approach to teaching and learning• Are biblically sound, developmentally appropriate, and culturally relevant• Embody a biblical worldview, engage in transformational teaching, practice discipleship, and embrace

personal and professional growth

ACSI’S EARLY EDUCATION CORE VALUES

ACSI upholds a worldview based on principles found in God’s Word, the Bible. Christian early educators are influencers who apply their prevailing biblical worldview to all areas of instruction, classroom environment, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Christian early educators believe all children:• Are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26)• Are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)• Are sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23)• Have lives marked with a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)• Are valued by God (Matthew 19:14)

Christian early educators are effective when they:• Understand the importance of educating and discipling the whole child and fostering individual growth

(related to personality, temperament, and culture) in each student• Respect God’s developmental design by recognizing that young children think, grow, and learn differently

than older children, and plan for age-appropriate learning strategies• Commit to being a lifelong learner and leader by continuously pursuing spiritual and professional growth• Communicate and collaborate effectively while maintaining a Christlike attitude with supervisors,

colleagues, parents, and the community at large• Model God’s unconditional love while upholding biblical Christian values• Partner with parents in the education of their children• Lead from a position of servanthood


PRINCIPLES TO INFORM PRACTICE

ACSI Early Education believes that the following principles form a biblical foundation for instructional and programmatic decision making to offer the best developmental and educational experience for children. In addition, these principles are the foundation of ACSI’s Principles and Practices of Christian Early Education course and a vital part of a Christian early educator’s pedagogy.

Christian PhilosophyChristian early educators hold a biblical worldview based upon deeply held core values centered on God’s Word, the Holy Bible, and use those values to develop their own personal philosophy of teaching young children.

Early Childhood DevelopmentDevelopmentally appropriate and age-appropriate practices are a result of biblically based, research-informed concepts providing understanding of how young children grow and learn. Such practices involve teaching to the developmental domains of the whole child: spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and cognitive. These practices meet children where they are in their unique God-designed development, allowing for achievable goals while encouraging challenge and independent exploration. Developmentally appropriate practices take into consideration the ability, interests, culture, diversity, personality, and temperament of each child.

Appropriate Activities for ChildrenPlay is a vital part of the young children’s learning experience and allows them to experience God’s world, express themselves, learn to manage relationships, regulate behaviors, and foster imagination. Early educators include a variety of differentiated learning opportunities supporting God’s design for how each child learns. Activities include a balance of teacher-guided instruction and child-initiated exploration. Effective teaching is seen when scaffolding (layered support and instruction) is present, providing repetition of information and experiences for the child.

Teacher as FacilitatorEarly educators develop biblically based curriculum plans centered on how young children think and learn best. The curriculum framework for instruction includes curriculum selection, planning, the learning environment, designed learning experiences, exploration, adult-child interactions, home-school relationships, and community-ministry involvement. Early educators employ strategies for instruction that offer a high degree of individual support for the child and set benchmarks and expectations that encourage rigor. All instruction is integrated with biblical concepts, precepts, and principles to develop an environment that fosters a personal faith in Christ. Early educators continually assess children’s learning and emerging competencies, which inform the direction of future instruction.

Child GuidanceThe goal of Christian early education discipline is to disciple (teach) by guiding, not by punishing. Early educators disciple children with nurturing love while utilizing preventative approaches, engaging environments, and clear expectations to help children be successful. Children are given age-appropriate boundaries, as well as guidance that allows them to feel safe, loved, and accepted. Educators understand the importance of teaching how to self-regulate, negotiate relationships, and care for others. This includes intervention strategies that model skills that enable children to be successful in learning and life.

Influence of the Classroom EnvironmentThe Christian early educator understands the importance of the indoor and outdoor learning environments and designs a rich atmosphere that provides a variety of safe and reassuring stimuli for the different needs of each learner. A wide variety of age-appropriate opportunities are provided to help move each child toward mastery of skills and concepts. Decisions about classroom resources and materials are planned and implemented with each child in mind, reflecting a biblical worldview.

Developing RelationshipsThe Christian early educators place a high importance on developing consistent, appropriate, and godly relationships with their students, family members, peers, and supervisors. Their attitude and performance in the work environment is based on God’s Word, and every effort is made to carry out constructive communication with all stakeholders.

Personal GrowthEarly educators are professionally trained and actively engage in ongoing professional development to continue growth of their skills, strategies, and pedagogy. As educators show evidence of spiritual and professional growth in their calling to teach young children, they use the information to self-reflect and adapt their teaching skills to meet the needs of each student. Educators regularly share training information and collaborate with their peers for ongoing professional growth and leadership development.

Documents

EARLY EDUCATION CONFERENCE - Association of ... Early Education...Kristin has also worked as an inpatient speech-language pathologist at Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters