Date: APRIL 25, 2026
Time: 9:00am-12:35pm (zoom link opens at 8:45am)
ACSIEC Member: $85.00 per person | Non-Member: $135.00 per person
Hours for Professional Development Certification will be provided
SESSION 1
Session 1A
All Ages
The Reluctant Reader
Many students with learning differences resist reading not because they don’t care, but because it’s mentally exhausting. Join Matthew Turton as he explores how to strengthen the cognitive skills that make reading easier — and, in turn, more enjoyable - for struggling readers in Grades 1–8.
Presenter:
Matthew Turton, VP Breakthroughs in Learning
Session 1B
All Ages
Routines that Create Connections
In early childhood, routines are more than just schedules—they’re sacred rhythms that shape a child’s sense of safety, belonging, and identity.
This interactive session explores how consistent, faith-filled routines and transitions can foster deep connections between children, caregivers, and God. Rooted in a biblical worldview, we’ll examine how daily structure reflects God’s design for peace and order, and how transitions can become powerful moments for learning.
You'll leave with practical strategies for: creating predictable routines that nurture trust and independence; using transitions to teach empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation; and embedding Scripture, prayer, and worship into everyday classroom rhythms.
Dr. Cindy Barnum, ACSI Early Education Senior Coordinator, Eastern Division, USA
Session 1C
Infants to K
Developing Curriculum that Works for Everyone, Part 1
God designed children as whole, integrated beings—spiritual, social-emotional, physical, and cognitive.
This session helps Christian early educators explore how each domain of development reflects God’s image and how nurturing the whole child supports faith formation and lifelong learning. Participants will connect Scripture to child development theory and discover how seeing each child as an image-bearer transforms their approach to teaching, guidance, and care.
Presenter:
Dr. Jeannie Forrest, ACSI USA Early Education Director
Session 1D
Infants to Jr High
All Things to All People?
In an age with ever-increasing demands on educators, how in the world can we wear all these different hats without things crashing down around us? Can I be that one caring adult my students desperately need and still live in balance?
This session will explore the powerful impact YOU can make in the lives of your students. Everyone wants a piece of us. We’re expected to be all things to all people. While truly Jesus is the only One who can fulfill this request, wouldn’t it be great if we could predict how others would respond, react and reason about a given topic or situation? Certainly would! Come discover that for yourself, your peers (and maybe your admin) and your students.
Presenter:
Dr. Susie Mohler, ACSI USA Early Education Director
SESSION 2
Session 2A
K to Jr High
That Kid's On My Last Nerve!
Research shows that classroom management and student behavior issues are the leading reason teacher seek employment at Starbucks! The pay is comparable, and it has to be easier, right? We’ve all met THAT child... had him/her in our classrooms.
Learning to behave is a big challenge! It can be confusing as children test the boundaries, learn how the world works, and learn to regulate their own behavior. What if you could identify where you are aiding and abetting behavior issues and determine how to teach more effectively? Children deserve to spend their days in well-designed environments that support their needs and stimulate their development. Understanding the child’s dilemma will help early educators respond to students’ behavioral challenges with compassion and the mind of Christ rather than with disapproval and frustration.
Dr. Susie Mohler, ACSI USA Early Education Director
Session 2B
All Ages
Designing Impactful Learning Encounters
What you do in the classroom matters. In this session, Dr. Jenny Sue will share simple strategies and ideas that will help to bridge theory to practice while helping you create a learning environment in your classroom that is full of powerful learning encounters!
Participants will understand that:
• power learning encounters occur when we set high expectations for students and design learning activities that stretch students' thinking.
• power learning encounters occur when we design learning activities that embed the truths of God deeply and richly.
• literacy connections can help children make connections that last.
Presenter:
Dr. Jenny Flanagan, Associate Professor Regent University, Virginia Beach
Session 2C
All Ages
Developing Curriculum that Works for Everyone, Part 2
Effective curriculum planning invites educators to be intentional architects of learning that nurtures the whole child—heart, mind, and body.
In this practical session, participants will explore how to design daily and weekly plans that balance structure and play, align with developmental milestones, and weave biblical truth throughout learning experiences. Educators will leave equipped with practical tools to plan with purpose, promote growth across all domains, and create classrooms rooted in faith and flourishing.
Presenter:
Dr. Jeannie Forrest, ACSI USA Early Education Director
Session 2D
All Ages
We're All In This Together
There are many workplaces in your community and working as a team is an expectation but in childcare and early years learning, simply put it is essential. And the true heart of effective teams is their ability to connect and collaborate and support each other.
In this webinar, we’ll learn what it takes to be part of a really great team, what we can do individually and as a group to ensure that we create and develop the team we all want and need so we can succeed as a team and be there for children and families.
Presenter:
Michael Lewis, Michael Lewis Training, Motivation & Development
SESSION 3
Session 3A
Infants to K
STEM Learning in the Classroom
Children are born curious and seek to understand how their world works. As Christian educators, we can use the scientific inquiry process to teach students how to ask questions and find answers to their questions. We can also use the engineering design process to show students how critical and creative thinking are tools we use to find truth.
• Participants will learn how to use the 4-question strategy to design questions that can be investigated.
• Participants will learn how to create engineering learning opportunities off of science experiences
Presenter:
Dr. Jenny Flanagan, Associate Professor Regent University, Virginia Beach
Session 3B
All Ages
Six F's of Moving Through Change with Success
Change is happening in every aspect of our lives – some of that change is welcomed, exciting and presents new challenges and opportunities and some of the change looks daunting, strange, and difficult to take on. In this webinar we’ll make change look a whole less frightening and a lot more inviting and doable especially when you have the six amazing F’s – the familiar, the future, the face (you) of change, your focus, the feedback and of course, having faith!
Presenter:
Michael Lewis, Michael Lewis Training, Motivation & Development
Session 3C
K to Jr. High
How Does Attention Affect Learning with Special Needs Students
Attention impacts every aspect of learning — from comprehension to memory to task completion. Join Matthew Turton, Director of Breakthroughs in Learning, and explore together how attention shows up in your classroom, how attention works, what drains it, and how to build stronger focus. Come with questions!
Presenter:Matthew Turton, VP Breakthroughs in Learning
Session 3D
Infants to Jr. High
From Surviving to Thriving
This workshop explores the science of brain development and the profound impact of trauma on neurological, emotional, and behavioral outcomes. We’ll review how early experiences shape brain architecture and how trauma can disrupt this process. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies to support individuals affected by trauma, fostering resilience and promoting healthy development.
• Understand the basics of brain development across childhood and adolescence.
• Identify the neurological and psychological effects of trauma.
• Explore strategies to mitigate trauma’s impact and support resilience.
Presenter:Dr. Cindy Barnum, ACSI Early Education Senior Coordinator, Eastern Division, USA
PRESENTER BIOS
Dr. Jeannie Forrest
Sessions 1A and 3C
Jeannie Forrest serves as Assistant Director of Early Education for ACSI. With over twenty-five years of experience in education she leads as a professional development trainer and consultant for educators in the US and internationally. She considers herself a lifelong learner and advocate for young children. Her curiosity for how God designed children to learn propels her to stay current with research and support best practices in early education.
Jeannie holds a MS in Educational Leadership from Cairn University, a BA in Administration in Early Childhood and was a TEACH scholarship recipient for an AA in Early Care and Education after answering the call to Christian education early in her career. She resides in South Carolina, is married to her best friend, Richard and they have four adult children, a daughter in-law, a son-in-law and were recently promoted to grandparents with the addition of a grandson. Jeannie enjoys spending time reading, being outdoors, running, and supporting her family for healthy living. A verse that she leans into and considers her life verse is Philippians 4:6-7.
Dr. Cindy Barnum
Sessions 1B and 3D
Dr. Cindy Barnum, ACSI Early Education Senior Coordinator in the Eastern Division, U.S.A., earned her Ed.D. in Christian Education Leadership from Regent University. She has served as a teacher, administrator, college professor, consultant, board member, missionary, and international speaker. She is honoured to serve early educators in their Kingdom call by providing resources, support, and encouragement from the wisdom and experiences the Lord has given her in over 30 years of Christian education. Cindy lives near Niagara Falls, New York with her husband, Kirk, who is also a Christian educator. They have four grown, married children and seven grandchildren. Cindy loves skiing, traveling, family, and worship. Her favourite verse is Proverbs 3:5&6.
Dr. Suzie Mohler
Early Education Director Western Division, ACSI USA
Sessions 1D and 2A
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.
Dr. Jenny Flanagan
Associate Professor Regent University, Virginia Beach
Sessions 2B and 3A
An Associate Professor in the Education Department at Regent University, Dr. Flannagan also serves as the Director of Student Teaching. She is a dedicated science educator and scholar at Regent University in Virginia Beach, where she directs student teaching and guides aspiring teachers in fulfilling their God-given calling . Born and raised in Virginia Beach, she holds an Ed.D. in Adult Learning/Staff Development (Regent University, 2007), an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision (University of Virginia, 2002), an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction (University of Virginia, 2000), and a B.S. in Biology (Longwood College, 1992), and is known for her commitment to integrating faith and learning in the field of education and science education.
With a strong background in instructional strategies and science education, Dr. Flannagan focuses on preparing future teachers to create engaging, inquiry-based learning environments that inspire students’ curiosity and critical thinking. Her work emphasizes the connection between a Christian worldview and effective teaching practices, encouraging educators to approach their profession with both academic rigor and spiritual purpose. Through her teaching, research, and mentorship, Dr. Flannagan contributes meaningfully to the development of educators who are equipped to impact their classrooms and communities positively.
Matthew Turton
Sessions 1A and 3C
Michael Lewis
Sessions 2D and 3B
Michael Lewis is one of Ontario’s most experienced speakers having spoken and presented around 6000 times in a career spanning just over four decades. Born, raised, and educated in London, Ontario with a BA from the University of Western Ontario in 1980, he is passionate about positivity and sharing common sense success strategies for personal and professional growth and development. His enthusiastic and ebullient presentation style has delighted, and inspired audiences and he speaks sincerely from the heart. He often says, “I love what I do and do what I love and if you love what you do, then life is a joyous experience!”
Since 1994, Michael has presented hundreds of seminars, workshops and team building sessions and now, webinars, to the childcare community all across Ontario. He loves inspiring excellence in educators and supervisors as they do such important work daily in educating, empowering, and fostering the hearts and minds of children. Before, during and through the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael has seen educators as the lamps that light the way ahead and it is a privilege and honour to provide solutions and motivation to a proud and important profession.
