ACSI EE Central Division

🌿☀️ As the school year winds down, take a moment to pause and look back at all God has done through you this year.

The growth you’ve seen…
The confidence built in little hearts…
The seeds of truth planted day after day…
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Philippians 1:6)

You’ve been part of something sacred—and what was started this year will continue to grow.
Step into summer with gratitude, rest, and anticipation for what God will do next. 💛

📌 Oklahoma early education leaders: a new early literacy law (SB 1778) was signed in April 2026, bringing significant changes beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

This legislation strengthens expectations around early reading instruction, including:
📖 Earlier identification of struggling readers
📖 Required interventions and progress monitoring
📖 Increased accountability tied to grade-level reading outcomes
📖 Expanded focus on supporting students before gaps widen

Why this matters for early education:
The foundation built in your classrooms directly impacts how children meet these expectations in the years ahead.
“Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6)
✅ Continue strengthening early literacy practices
✅ Partner with families in building strong readers
✅ Stay aligned with evolving expectations across the state

Your work is shaping the future of every learner who walks through your doors.

🚀 Innovate: Sparking Wonder and Curiosity is coming for the 2026–2027 season—workshops, conferences, and leaders’ summits designed to help you grow in confidence, competence, and calling with biblically integrated, evidence-based strategies.

“For I’m going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun!” (Isaiah 43:19).

✨ Opportunity to earn up to six clock hours while gaining practical tools you can apply right away.
📍 Central Division dates include Broken Arrow, OK (October 10, 2026), San Antonio (October 24, 2026), and Grove City, OH (April 24, 2027) (plus more locations!).

Learn more + register here: Innovate Professional Development | ACSI
https://www.acsi.org/academic-programs/early-education/innovate-professional-development

✨ What a DAY! ✨

Unshakable Grove City was filled with smiles, meaningful moments, and early educators pouring into one another last Saturday. From great conversations to lots of encouragement, it was a powerful reminder that we’re better together. 💛

📸 (cue this awesome photo!)

And we’re not done yet—our Innovate workshop season kicks off this August! 🎉 New locations, fresh ideas, and more opportunities to learn, connect, and grow are coming soon. Stay tuned—we can’t wait to do it again!

👀 Early Education Leaders: Policy Watch
Across several ACSI Central Division states, early childhood programs are seeing important regulatory and legislative shifts in 2025–2026—including:
• Missouri: Major simplification of child care licensing rules, with fewer duplicative requirements and clearer guidance for providers
• Texas: Expanded focus on early literacy/numeracy progress monitoring and increased alignment with state early learning systems like Texas Rising Star and TECPDS
• Ohio: New early childhood education grants and changes tied to quality ratings and kindergarten readiness laws
• Oklahoma: New early literacy legislation and updated expectations around early reading instruction beginning in the 2026–27 school year
[mochildcareaware.org], [mochildcareaware.org] [twc.texas.gov], [texasstude...system.org] [codes.ohio.gov], [ohiohouse.gov] [newsfromth...states.com]

📌 Why this matters:
These updates can impact licensing, funding eligibility, assessments, and classroom practice—making it essential for early ed leaders to stay informed.

In early education, success isn’t always loud or measurable.
Sometimes it looks like:
• A calm response in a hard moment
• Faithfulness when no one’s watching
• Showing up—again—with love and patience
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”
—Colossians 3:23
Your everyday faithfulness is shaping lives in ways you may never fully see. 💛

What keeps you grounded when the days feel long and the needs feel endless?
This Saturday in Grove City, Unshakable is a space for early childhood teachers and leaders to step back, breathe deep, and realign with the firm foundation God provides.
You’ll leave with:
• Encouragement and support for your calling
• A brain based perspective for all learners
• Practical reminders for steady leadership
📅 Saturday | Grove City
We’d love to see you there.
👉 Registration link: https://www.acsi.org/academic-programs/early-education/unshakable-professional-development

Can’t wait to see you next Saturday, April 25th at our last Unshakable workshop of the season! Don’t forget to reserve your spot today!

https://www.acsi.org/academic-programs/early-education/unshakable-professional-development

Sometimes leadership in early education feels like standing ankle‑deep in the tide—
always moving, always responding, always aware of who needs you next.

But God reminds us that He is not found only in the waves…
He is also present in the quiet shoreline moments.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

Christian early educators and leaders, may you find moments today to stand still—to breathe, to listen, and to remember that your work flows from His faithfulness, not your strength alone.
Let the stillness steady you. 🌊🤍