News

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeannie Forrest as the new Director of Early Education, providing leadership for ACSI’s Early Education Department and initiatives globally.

In this role, Forrest will lead a team dedicated to serving Christian early education leaders and programs through professional development, resources, mentoring, research, and collaboration. She will also work closely with ACSI department directors and organizational leaders to ensure early education services are comprehensive, cohesive, and aligned with ACSI’s mission and strategic plan.

Forrest has served at ACSI for 14 years, most recently as the Assistant Director of Early Education at ACSI. Her promotion to Director is a natural transition for both her and the team, recognizing her experience, expertise, and heart for serving educators and leaders of young children.

"I am honored to step into this role and continue advocating for Christian early education," Forrest shared. "At the heart of my work is a desire to encourage, equip, and empower early education leaders and educators as they strengthen their programs and impact the lives of children and families. I want them to know they have a trusted partner in ACSI as they navigate change and create environments where young children can learn, grow, and experience the love of Christ."

A key focus of her new role will be strengthening professional learning opportunities for early educators, including conferences, webinars, networks, and other biblically based professional development.

Forrest will also collaborate across ACSI to support early education accreditation and certification, address state requirements, and maintain relationships with state childcare and licensing agencies. The role includes oversight of ACSI’s Florida Approval Program, including standards review, professional development, inspections, enrollment, and compliance coordination.

Dr. David Balik, ACSI Vice President of USA, looks forward to Forrest assuming her new role.

“For more than 14 years, Jeannie has poured her heart into serving young learners and families in our Early Education programs, most recently as our Assistant Director of EE. Her experience, wisdom, and heart for children have prepared her for exactly this moment. I've seen her lead with excellence and compassion, and I'm confident Early Ed at ACSI will grow in impact under her leadership. It's a joy to see her step into this role, for such a time as this,” he said.

Through this leadership, ACSI will continue to strengthen its support for early education leaders and programs.

To learn more about ACSI Early Education, visit the website https://www.acsi.org/academic-programs/early-education.