Early Education
ACSI's Early Education Department works with early education schools to strengthen programs and equip early educators as they prepare young children (ages birth to kindergarten) spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively and influence children to love and follow Jesus Christ. We do that through consultations, services, and professional development—preparing teachers as they guide and mentor the children of God.
ACSI seeks to foster programs and educators that take a holistic approach to teaching and learning and embody a biblical worldview. You can learn more about our vision and values by reading our Foundation Statements.
Member Benefits
Accreditation
Verify and validate the quality of your program with ACSI accreditation—and push your program to be the best it can be.
Professional Development
Equip and prepare your teachers through conferences and webinars taught by the best.
Community
Christian schooling is a global movement. Get connected with likeminded leaders who understand exactly what you're going through.
Thought Leadership
Hear from leaders at the forefront of the movement about where Christian schooling is going—and where it needs to go.
Your Early Education Team
Althea Penn, Ed.D., PDS, ODP
Director of Early Education
Althea is passionate about serving Christian early education teachers and leaders and has over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership and as a primary and secondary instructor. She is certified as a professional development specialist, early childhood educator, and administrator. As Director of Early Education, she provides consultation and professional assistance to early educators supporting them with a Christ-centered focus and helping in the development of biblically-based resources and professional development. Althea’s favorite children’s book is The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You! by Jan Berenstain and her favorite verse to teach children is Jeremiah 29:11.
Jeannie Forrest, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Early Education
Jeannie serves as Assistant Director of Early Education. With over twenty-five years of experience in Christian education, she considers herself a life-long learner for early education. God has blessed her with a passion for both the early childhood years and connecting with early educators. She counts it a privilege to support and guide early education leaders and teachers for high quality practices woven with God’s truth and love. Jeannie’s favorite children’s author is Eric Carle and her favorite verse to teach is “Let your light shine…” from Matthew 5:16.
Cindy Barnum, Ed.D.
Cindy Barnum, Ed.D.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Eastern Division
Cindy counts it an honor and privilege to serve early educators in their Kingdom call. With over 30 years of educational experiences, Cindy pours into educators by providing resources, support, and encouragement from the wisdom and experiences the Lord has given her in Christian early education leadership. Cindy’s favorite children’s book is Sir Maggie the Mighty by Michael P. Waite and her favorite verse to teach children is Proverbs 3:5-6.
Kim Brucker, B.S.
Kim Brucker, B.S.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Central Division
God has given Kim a deep passion to serve him and those who serve children and young families as well as a desire to mentor, disciple, and call out giftedness in leaders. With over 20 years of educational experience, Kim serves members who work with young children by listening to them, praying for them, and equipping them. One of Kim’s favorite children’s book is Adam Raccoon at Forever Falls by Glen Keane and one of her favorite verses to teach children is John 14:6.
Suzie Mohler, Ed.D.
Suzie Mohler, Ed.D.
Senior Coordinator for Early Education
ACSI Western Division
Suzie has served in the field of education for over 30 years and loves Christian education and building relationships with educators. She encourages and mentors leaders, promotes membership and accreditation, consults with programs, and helps facilitate connections with EE staff. Suzie’s favorite children’s book is Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and one of her favorite verses to teach children is Ephesians 1:4.
Rachel Luallen, B.S.N.
Rachel Luallen, B.S.N.; EE Administrator Certificate
Early Education Coordinator l ACSI
Rachel has a desire and passion to see children grow to know they were created with a purpose. With over ten years experience in early childhood experiences, Rachel serves educators as the go to for ACSI Early Education help and support. She is always willing to listen or answer questions from accreditation to CEUs to professional development opportunities. Rachel’s favorite children’s book is You are Special by Max Lucado and one of her favorite verses to teach children is Jeremiah 1:5.
Tammy Hicks
Tammy Hicks, FL Director’s Credential; FCCPC
Field Director for Florida Approval Program
Tammy currently serves as not only the Field Director for ACSI’s Florida Approval Program, but she is also the Director at the Gonzalez UMC Child Enrichment Center in FL. Tammy has over 20 years of early childhood experience and she enjoys pouring into the children, families, and staff in her program. As Field Director, she mentors, assists, and equips other EE Directors in the Florida Approval Program. Tammy’s favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and her favorite verse to teach children is Psalm 139:14.
