Robin Stephenson, Former Director of Early Education, ACSI
When I get to talk with other preschool directors, I want to hear all about their joys and concerns in working for the Lord in this specialized field of early education. From these conversations I’ve gleaned many ideas, some of which I’ve implemented very successfully into my center. It seems regardless of what part of the country a director comes from, those of us leading Christian programs share similar concerns.
In January 1997, ACSI brought together a group of leaders in the preschool field who shared their needs and concerns with the ACSI executive staff. The following are some of the concerns we suggested ACSI focus on.
Training
- at conferences include preschool programs that meet the needs of directors and staff
- help schools meet governmental training and licensing requirements
- make preschool director/teacher certification available to members
- develop avenues for sharing research pertaining to age-appropriate instruction and spiritual nurturing
Membership
- review membership criteria and fee structure, and possibly include an individual membership in ACSI
- develop an expanded mailing list to better communicate to all members and potential members
- provide parents of preschoolers access to Christian early education programs
- develop additional member services such as volume-purchasing advantages, and publications such as posters, brochures for parents, and a national newsletter
Accreditation
- assure that a government-recognized accreditation/certification program is available to accredited schools
At our 1997 meeting, it was evident that in order for ACSI to offer more preschool services and to support early Christian education programs, a new position would need to be created and a qualified person found to fill it. I am honored to have been asked to fill the position as Director of Preschool Services for ACSI beginning in September 1998.
The Lord has give me the opportunity to serve in a variety of positions over the past years that have, I trust, prepared me for this new venture. I have served as a preschool teacher and director of a large child care center, as pastor of children’s ministries for Northlake Baptist Church in Longview, Washington, and as the preschool coordinator for ACSI in the Northwest Region. Each of these positions has helped me to strengthen my skills and knowledge in a specialized way that I pray will validate ACSI’s confidence in asking me to serve in this position.
Developing a higher level of support for preschool services is going to take grace from the Lord and involvement from you.
DPK: Training, Membership, Accreditation 2.1