Membership Benefits
Publications
Christian Early Education magazine (CEE)
This quarterly publication is the only magazine that deals with Early Education topics from a Christian perspective. You will find education, inspiration, wit, and humor in this highly acclaimed, full-color, award winning ACSI magazine. Articles from previous volumes are available in the archives.
Subscription is automatic with ACSI membership. One issue is sent quarterly to each program.
FullFill magazine
FullFill is for women of all seasons of life and leadership. FullFill equips women to recognize, utilize, and maximize their unique influence in all the spheres of their life from a Christian perspective. This benefit includes: a quarterly magazine, online community forums, weekly reFill e-newsletter, and leadership resources.
Subscription is automatic with ACSI membership. One issue is sent quarterly to each program.
Christian School Education magazine (CSE)
This full-color magazine is published four times yearly and addresses issues relevant to Christian schools, specifically Christian school administrators and teachers
Subscription is automatic with ACSI membership. One issue is sent quarterly to each program.
Legal Legislative Update (LLU)
This newsletter informs Christian school leaders of legal issues currently facing Christian schools. Subscription is automatic with ACSI membership. The 24-page newsletter is sent to schools three times during the school year.
Christian School Comment (CSC)
Christian School Comment is published monthly, September through May as a communication to Christian school families. The publication explores a variety of topics related to Christian schooling. ACSI President Ken Smitherman (retired 2009) and guest authors offer practical advice and encouragement to Christian school parents and families. This publication is a membership privilege to member schools and is available monthly for download, copying, and distribution to the school’s families and constituency.
Member Directory
Every February a membership directory is delivered to all ACSI members via mail. Member details are provided to support networking between programs and as a resource that assists parents to find a school for a child who completes preschool or for a family that relocates. Member listings are kept current at the online directory.
Regional e-News
Regional offices prepare electronic newsletters to provide members with region-specific information as well as calendar and event information—all to help members accomplish the mission of their program.
K.I.D. Time (Kids Interceding Daily)
This monthly prayer guide (grades EE–12) is for use in the classroom. ACSI members are notified through a web-linked e-mail. Back issues are archived on the ACSI website.
National Notes
National Notes is published eight times a year. This quick-read newsletter helps to keep Christian schools up-to-date on what’s happening on Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch agencies regarding education reform, freedom’s challenge, and colleges. This is delivered to members via e-mailed weblink.
The MeanTime
The MeanTime provides research based content and encouragement for all ACSI members located in an urban center. Published three times a year, The MeanTime passionately advocates for educational freedom. Programs serving under-resourced children, regardless of the location, find relevant information and vital support in this resource. All ACSI members are invited to read the archives.
ACSI Prayer Guide
ACSI publishes a monthly prayer guide that provides our prayer partners with daily prayer requests that are specific and worldwide. This benefit is emailed monthly. View the archives.
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Unique Benefits
EE Radio
Need a boost, but you don’t have time to spare? EE Radio delivers! In less than ten minutes you will be encouraged by short, topic driven audio clips of interviews and presentations. Broadcasts are delivered to EE members via e-mailed web-link twice each month of the academic year (17 broadcasts per year). Past broadcasts are archived on the early education MEMBER’S ONLY section of the ACSI website.
Already a member of ACSI? Simply log in and the box, Links for Member's Only, will appear in the right-hand column, giving you access to a growing list of resources specifically for early educators.
Toll Free Number for the HQ Early Education Department
We’ve removed another barrier between you and your connection to resources! Have a question? Don’t hesitate to contact our department; we’ll work hard to direct you to the information and resources designed with you in mind.
Call us: 888.892.4258
Spanish CEE Articles
Resource Spanish speaking staff members with translated articles from the department’s award winning publication Christian Early Education magazine.
Downloadable Posters
Early education classrooms thrive with activity and color. Children’s artwork, proudly displayed, warms the walls. Expand that enhancement with early education downloadable posters. The simplicity of design captures attention and promotes the value of children. Created from past covers of Christian Early Education magazine, the posters are an ACSI member benefit designed to enhance the classroom environment. Each time a new poster is designed, ACSI members will be alerted via e-mailed web-link. The entire library of the posters is archived on the early education MEMBER’S ONLY section of the ACSI website to download the 8.5x11 or 11x17 posters.
Already a member of ACSI? Simply log in and the box, Links for Member's Only, will appear in the right-hand column, giving you access to a growing list of resources specifically for early educators.
Downloadable Certificates and Program Covers
Professionally personalize certificates and program covers for your next event. Whether recognizing the completion of preschool, affirming character development, or awarding certificates for kindergarten graduation, downloadable certificates and program covers will enhance the professional image of your center. Files are able to be completely personalized with the child’s name, program name, and program logo. Signatures can either be uploaded or individually signed. Files are available on the early education MEMBER’S ONLY section of the ACSI website.
Already a member of ACSI? Simply log in and the box, Links for Member's Only, will appear in the right-hand column, giving you access to a growing list of resources specifically for early educators.
Online Training
Accessible. Achievable. Online! Whether you are acquiring annual training or completing requirements for the Preschool Associate Credential (PAC) or Child Development Associate (CDA), you can access affordable training through our website. Over 120 hours of entry level content is available! An entire catalog of topics are addressed from a Christian perspective. We live in a busy world. Now this training will flex to your schedule!
Additional cost: varies
See course catalog
International Association of Christian Early Educators (IACEE)
Christian early educators benefit personally and professionally by joining this association as an individual. Benefits include: a subscription to Christian Early Education magazine, a carefully chosen book, a CD presentation from an ACSI early education conference, member pricing on all trade books in the ACSI catalog, and a handsome membership certificate. Membership dues are tax deductible and fulfill the condition of many early education credentials which require membership in a nationally recognized professional association. Submit an application today.
Additional cost: $25.00/year
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Tools to Support Effectiveness
Christian Employment Opportunities (CEO)
Advertise position openings to an audience that understands your values and mission. Review the Christian Employment Opportunities section on the ACSI website for listing details. Email CEO for complete details or questions.
Annual School Survey
Since 1999, ACSI has conducted an Annual School Survey to collect salient information on member schools. This survey includes tuition and salary comparisons, benefit statistics, as well as information on the programs and services a school offers. Reports are generated according to region, school size and demographics; comparative reports can also be generated and trend articles can be printed. Members are e-mailed a weblink when the survey is closed and the reporting features are prepared. View current and previous year's survey results.
Early Education Member's Only Webpages
Valuable resources are archived on these members only webpages. Document samples (parent and staff handbooks, salary schedules, developmental checklists, staff training, etc.) are archive. These webpages are constantly expanding; members will be alerted when new content is added.
Already a member of ACSI? Simply log in and the box, Links for Member's Only, will appear in the right-hand column, giving you access to a growing list of resources specifically for early educators.
Listserv
Join the conversation! Early educators from all over the country are talking about topics and issues that matter to you. Learn from them, share your knowledge, and expand your expertise.
How to join the listserv list:
- Create a new e-mail message.
- Send email.
- Leave the subject line empty.
- Type subscribe in the message area.
- Send the e-mail!
Purposeful Design Publications Trade Book Resources and Instructional Materials
Christian early education programs deserve specialized resources that address the unique needs of a faith-based center. Purposeful Design Publications, ACSI’s publishing division, strives to produce the tools to support your effectiveness. Purposeful Design also collaborates with other publishers to review and offer members recent titles to expand your success. Member pricing is 25% off the retail pricing for all Purposeful Design publications (trade books and instructional materials). To view the entire catalog, go to Purposeful Design Publications.
District Meetings
District meetings are local meetings held twice each year in each North American region. Maximize this opportunity for professional growth and networking by attending and contributing. Depending on the region, early education specific programming is offered during the planned meeting times.
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Program Improvement and Recognition
Accreditation
Accreditation, a national benchmark of quality for early education centers, is a voluntary process validated by peer review and involving a systematic self-evaluation against nationally accepted standards (higher than minimum licensing requirements). A program’s involvement in the accreditation process raises the program’s commitment to quality through this intentional investment. Newly revised, the ACSI accreditation process provides a seamless system, early education through grade 12.
Additional cost: see REACH manual or call your Regional Office
Exemplary School Program (ESP)
Member schools are invited to submit explanations of their school’s exemplary programs. Programs will be selected by ACSI and will be highlighted in the fall issue of Christian School Education magazine.
Program requirements and a template for submission are provided on the ACSI website. The submission opportunity is open throughout the year and the deadline is May 1, 2009.
Email your questions to the Director of Publishing Services.
Career Service and Achievement Award
ACSI believes the investment of educators across a career should be celebrated and affirmed. ACSI’s Career Service & Achievement Award does just that. Candidate nominations begin each year in January and awards are issued in late spring. Profile and application details.
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Professional Development
Certification
ACSI early education certification options have been designed to enable Christian early education programs to uphold their commitment to a biblical philosophy while encouraging the professional development of their faculty and staff. The five certificate options address every staff position.
Preschool Associate Credential (PAC)
The Preschool Associate Credential (PAC) is a competency credential. The in-depth process includes the creation of a detailed portfolio, followed by a half day observation by a trained observer. The PAC is equivalent to the nationally recognized CDA and several state competency credentials. ACSI’s Virtual University contains all the training to complete the requirements for the Preschool Associate Credential.
Onsite Trainings and/or Consultation
ACSI staff members (both regional, national, and international) are available to personalize training for your program or consult on a specific issue. They bring specialized knowledge from the largest Christian school association in the world. They leverage the collective experience and expertise of the association to support you in fulfilling the mission of your program. Find your region and contact your Early Education advocate.
EE Conferences & EE Tracks at Teacher Conventions
ACSI is passionate about professional development; conventions and conferences provide a cornerstone service for both member and non-members. Most regions offer early education conferences and some also include a track dedicated to early education specific training at their teacher conventions. These events are dedicated to providing relevant content within a biblically-based philosophical context.
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Legal/Legislative
Member programs are provided with current information and practical help when needed. A quarterly journal (LLU) keeps member early education programs abreast of the issues facing their schools with advice on how to deal with such concerns. An office is maintained in Washington D.C. to monitor issues of national concern.
Legal Defense Reimbursement Program (LDRP)
In today’s litigious society, Christian schools often find it necessary to defend themselves against expensive lawsuits, even when the accusations may be groundless or frivolous. For an annual fee of $195 (regardless of the number of employees in the school) ACSI will reimburse member schools up to $30,000 per year for legal defense costs arising out of employment related disputes and student related lawsuits. Read more about LDRP and check out ACSI's legal compliance checklists.
Legal Defense Fund (LDF)
ACSI will consider assistance and support for member schools and/or administrators that are facing legal or governmental problems that could adversely affect the Christian school movement. Assistance/support criteria are available online. For more information you can read an in depth description or email the Legal Legislative Department.
Advocacy
ACSI represents members at the state and national level by attending meetings, engaging legislators, and participating in task force/focus groups concerning faith-based educational issues. In addition, ACSI personnel serve as decision makers or board members in professional organizations to represent and promote the interests of Christian education.
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Corporate Partners and Discount Providers
Affiniscape
Increase your cash flow and improve collection with the ACSI Merchant Program by providing payment options for families. This program ensures the best rates for credit card processing with no application, annual, or cancellation fees to ACSI members. ACSI members are given VIP status in all customer service systems. Plus, parents benefit from reward points and cash back options. Take advantage of this growing payment trend today! Call our partner, Affiniscape Merchant Solutions, at 866.376.0950. Additional Affiniscape information is available in our Insurance and Financial Services area.
Additional cost is only for the equipment to implement the program: approximately $300
Tax Exempt Bond Financing
The ACSI Capital Corporation is a Colorado non-profit corporation that provides ACSI member schools and colleges (including early education programs) in the United States with substantially reduced interest and issuance costs for long-term debt. The ACSI Capital Corporation does this by providing a variety of financial advisory services so that its member schools might access tax exempt bond financing.
Insurance
ACSI members can access a variety of insurance benefits from several vendors – all negotiated with YOUR PROGRAM in mind.
Augeo Benefits Insurance offers a variety of insurance options for member schools:
- Major medical insurance
- Limited medical insurance
- Medical discount savings card
- Accident insurance
- Term life insurance
- Critical illness insurance
Customized benefits are now available for member school employees in all fifty states. Interested members should call the Augeo Benefits enrollment center directly to discuss optimal coverage options. 1.888.414.0197 (Hours of operation: 6:00 AM—6:00 PM MST.)
Toll Free 1.888.414.0197
Additional programs include:
- Student Accident and Sports Insurance with Benefit Dynamics: 877.262.2811
- Professional Liability, Term Life, Cancer, Accidental Death, Dismemberment, Disability Income with Forrest T. Jones: 800.821.7303
- Property and Liability Insurance with Church Mutual Insurance Company: 800.554.2642
- Supplemental Insurance coordinated by Answer Financial: 888.222.4115
Credit Union Membership
As ACSI’s ministry banking partner, Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU), is committed to helping your school fulfill its mission through wise financial stewardship. ECCU has worked with Christian schools for over 20 years and uniquely understands the risks and challenges related to a tuition-based revenue base. ECCU can helps ACSI members obtain financial health and stability by:
- Recognizing your revenue and operating expense needs
- Optimizing your cash flow
- Smoothing out your fiscal year with an ECCU line of credit
- Assisting with real estate purchasing and construction funding
- Giving you the flexibility of a 15-month MoneyMover Certificate
- Providing banking security and protection
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Discount Purchasing
CDW*G
ACSI members are invited to leverage the power of the association and access purchasing discounts for technology products through CDW*G, such as computer, printers, projectors, and MUCH more! Go to www.CDWG.com/acsi to view the exclusive pricing for ACSI members. After viewing the special pricing, if you wish to make a purchase please contact the ACSI account manager, Michael McClain. You will be issue a password which will allow the purchase to go through. If your school is making a large purchase, you can e-mail him directly for a quote specifically for your situation.
Corporate Express
Corporate Express has partnered with ACSI to provide your school with ONE powerful source for all of your janitorial and school supply needs. Corporate Express can save you money and make your life easier with:
- Broad product selection
- Free, next-business-day delivery
- Online purchasing
- No minimum order size requirements
- Aggressive pricing everyday
- Hot buys representing the best of the best pricing and product selection with discounts of up to 80%
In order to take advantage of this offer, you must have your ACSI customer number available. For your protection, you will not be able to register or place orders without it. If you do not know your customer number, call ACSI Customer Service at 1.800.367.0798 for that information.
Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI)
Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI) is a partnership between Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) and Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) created to specifically serve the needs of the religious community. The CVLI Family Values license allows you to comply with the U.S. Copyright Act requirement for a license to exhibit copyrighted home videocassettes and DVDs, both simply and affordably. ACSI members receive a 10% discount off the license fee. For more information, visit CVLI; when you are ready to receive a quote, call CVLI at 888.771.CVLI (2854), and state your membership in ACSI to receive a discounted quote.
eTapestry Software
eTapestry is fundraising software with a unique capability: it actually recognizes the reality of your world. Designed to significantly compress the time and effort required for every task associated with donor cultivation, it helps get you out from behind your desk-and in front of donors. In its simplest form, eTapestry is software you run over the Internet. It tracks donors, prospects or alumni while managing gifts, pledges and payments. ACSI members receive a 10% discount off base service and user fees. To receive the discount, ACSI members must order through eTapestry’s ACSI account executive. E-mail your school name, address, e-mail, phone number, and indication of ACSI membership.
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Coming Soon!
Early Education Services is constantly reviewing new benefits to offer our members. If you have suggestions please email us.
Digital Shorts “Public Service Announcements”
Enhance your program or presentation by including a video clip specifically designed to support your work as an early educator. A fresh digital short will be uploaded each month during the academic year (8 shorts per year). Members will be notified via e-mailed web-link. The entire library of digital shorts will be archived on the early education MEMBER’S ONLY section of the ACSI website.
Children's Literature Extension Activities
This searchable area will be on the members only site provides classroom teachers ideas for expanding the value of children’s literature through relevant activities for young children. Central to the activities are the opportunities to include biblical integration points. Best of all, this section will continually expand as members are invited to share their own ideas!
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Membership Matters . . .Join Us!
As an ACSI member school, you play a vital role in meeting the educational needs of students worldwide whose families are seeking a Christ-honoring, Bible-centered early education program.
Your voice and membership are crucial to the effectiveness of ACSI. In joining ACSI, you become an important part of over 5,000 other Christian schools including 3,000 member early education programs that are on the front line of providing the very best in Christian education to over a million students.
ACSI invites you to begin making a difference in the lives of young people through Christian education.
Apply online or download membership applications today!
The incredible value of ACSI Membership!
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