8:00 – 9:00   Session 1 - The Innovative Leader: Mission, Vision, and Innovation - Dr. Cindy Barnum

This session invites Christian education leaders to explore how innovation can strengthen programs while remaining rooted in a Christ-centered mission and vision. Through engaging experiences—including worship, role model reflection, and small-group discussion—participants will gain practical strategies for effective leadership and meaningful relationship-building.

Emphasis will be placed on fostering faith-based growth, aligning with biblical values, and honoring the unique calling of Christian leaders. Participants will leave encouraged and equipped to lead with both creativity and conviction.

Is it time to “spit in the mud”? Come ready to explore bold, faith-filled leadership inspired by Christ’s example.

9:00 – 10:00   Session 2 - Faith-Based Christian School Policy, Innovation, and Opportunity - Panel: TBD

Through a dynamic panel discussion featuring state legislative leaders and early education professionals, attendees will gain insight into current challenges, proposed policy reforms, and actionable strategies to strengthen early education systems. Bills and regulations are being proposed that can strengthen or hinder the future of faith-based programs. The conversation will focus on practical solutions to support working families, strengthen and empower early education providers, encourage new early education startups, provide insight into available state grants, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

10:00 – 10:10   Break

10:10 – 11:10   Session 2 - Faith-Based Christian School Policy, Innovation, and Opportunity *continued

11:10 – 11:45   Lunch 

11:45 – 1:15     Session 3 - Innovation Begins with a Foundation in Christ - Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan

This session explores what meaningful biblical worldview integration looks like within early childhood classrooms and how leaders can support teachers in developing authentic, faith-centered instructional practices. Participants will examine strategies for helping educators move beyond surface-level Bible activities toward intentional integration of biblical concepts throughout daily learning experiences. Through collaborative discussion, lesson exploration, and reflective leadership application, administrators will consider how classroom environments, instructional conversations, and developmentally appropriate practices can support both spiritual formation and whole-child development. The session also encourages leaders to reflect on how they can coach and encourage teachers in building joyful learning environments that remain rooted in biblical truth while honoring the uniqueness of childhood.

1:15 – 1:25       Break

1:25 – 2:55       Session 4 - Designing Impactful Learning Experiences Through Play and Inquiry - Dr. Jenny Sue Flannagan

This session explores how leaders can support teachers in designing impactful learning experiences that foster engagement, curiosity, exploration, and meaningful learning for young children. Participants will examine the Play, Debrief, Replay instructional model and consider how purposeful play and inquiry-based learning support cognitive, social-emotional, language, and spiritual development. Through collaborative discussion and practical application, leaders will explore ways to guide teachers in creating developmentally appropriate learning experiences that encourage children to think deeply, engage actively, and connect learning to their understanding of God’s world. The session also introduces reflective conversation tools that administrators can use to support instructional coaching and teacher growth. 

2:55 – 3:00       Closing

*Join us for dinner at 5:00 at Mick’s All American Pub (Dutch Treat = self-pay). We’ll meet in the hotel lobby at 4:45.