ACSI’s Vision 2030: Early Education Initiatives Driving Growth and Sustainability

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) continues to advance its Vision 2030 initiatives with notable progress in Early Education. We asked Dr. Althea Penn, ACSI’s Director of Early Education, to share some of the exciting updates and milestones taking place in this vital area of Christian schooling.

Key Achievements

This past year has been marked by significant growth and momentum in serving members and expanding reach. Membership among attached and standalone schools increased from 1,385 to 1,465, reflecting the growing demand for quality Christian early education.

Connections and collaboration also continue to flourish. ACSI has engaged with over 500 members and non-members through Early Education Leader Network meetings—including a bilingual Leader Connect—and the Schools United peer support network. A new EE Coaching Café Peer Support Network Meeting, hosted by Beth Lantz, will launch as part of Vision 2030’s focus on New Fields of Ministry.

EE professional development has also seen robust participation. Nearly 400 participants have already registered for the 2025–26 Unshakable PD events, with the season just beginning. Last year’s Anchored PD season served over 1,000 participants, and more than 3,000 CEUs were issued through pre-recorded trainings, webinars, and leader network meetings.

This year also marks two key milestones in accreditation: the 20th anniversary of the ACSI Florida Accreditation Program (FAP) and the first anniversary of Gold Seal—both of which highlight ACSI’s commitment to exceeding standards recognized by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Current Trends and Developments

Dr. Penn noted that federal and state investment in early education is on the rise, providing greater support for sustainability and growth:

• Illinois increased early education funding by $244.5 million and created a new Department of Early Childhood with $14.2 million allocated.
• Massachusetts committed a record $1.06 billion to its early learning financial subsidy program.
• Texas dedicated $100 million in TANF funds to reduce its early learning financial subsidy waitlist.

In addition, many states are adjusting their Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) to emphasize quality improvement over rigid scoring. This includes streamlining standards, offering more technical assistance, and ensuring adequate funding to achieve program goals. Increased funding is also available for on-the-job training, scholarships, salary support, and retention bonuses—resources many ACSI programs are actively leveraging.

Dr. Penn emphasized that early education continues to grapple with teacher turnover and burnout, but ACSI is committed to addressing these challenges through leader pipelines, professional development, and innovative solutions. One example is the proposed ACSI EE VIP Leader Renew Retreat, tentatively scheduled for June 2027, designed to provide encouragement and renewal for leaders.

Vision 2030 in Action

Early Education initiatives are closely aligned with Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of New Fields of Ministry, Educational Resources and Programs, and Missional Partnerships.

• Educational Resources and Programs: More than 20 new articles on biblical best practices in instruction, leadership, and accreditation have been written and will be republished in the updated ACSI Ministry Pack. Feasibility studies have also been submitted for the Christian Preschool Associate course and credential and the Principles and Practices course, which experienced exponential growth in digital sales this year.
• Missional Partnerships: ACSI is cultivating stronger ties with early education curriculum publishers, children’s ministry leaders, and homeschool networks, while also expanding non-member engagement through State Liaisons and Bilingual Leader Connect.

Looking Ahead

As ACSI continues advancing Vision 2030, Early Education remains a cornerstone for building strong, Christ-centered foundations for young learners. Through expanded membership, professional development, strategic partnerships, and innovative resources, ACSI is equipping educators and leaders to thrive in today’s changing educational landscape—ensuring that children and families around the world experience the life-changing impact of Christian education from the very beginning.