THE FOUNDATION

• Early educators accept the Lord Jehovah as the creator of the world and sustainer of life. (Isaiah 40:28–29)
• Early educators believe that Jesus Christ came into this world as God in the flesh, to provide a way of redeeming them from sin, so they can have eternal life and a relationship with God their heavenly Father. (John 14:6)
• Early educators have received, by faith, Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, understanding that we were once lost, and by His grace, we are given eternal life with Him. (Ephesians 2:13)
• Early educators seek a relationship with their heavenly Father as their highest priority. They view the Son of God as the divine teacher, relying on Him for wisdom and guidance in all things as they daily walk in His leading. (Psalm 25:4–5)
• Early educators accept the responsibility of assisting parents in teaching the next generation about His creation and redemptive plan. (Psalm 78:4)
• Early educators understand the unique window of opportunity to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ at an early age. They understand the season to share God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is at hand, during this brief window of time. (Proverbs 22:6)
• Early educators uphold that all children are a gift from God, wonderfully made in His image, the way God has created them. (Psalm 139:13–14)

THE MASTER PLAN

• Early educators are God’s fellow kingdom workers, building on the foundation that has been laid in Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 3:9–11)
• Early educators build alongside of parents as the designated primary educators of their children, which is God’s master plan. (Deuteronomy 6:6–9)
• Early educators first submit under God’s authority, realizing that God has given him/her authority over those placed under their direction. (Titus 2:15)
• Early educators are given the responsibility to raise up leaders for tomorrow’s future, so that they may embrace the fullness of His love and remain on a path of righteous living. (II Timothy 3:14–15)
• Early educators daily seek God’s revelation through His written word to gain insight into God’s truth and the application of these principles. (II Timothy 3:16–17)
• Early educators teach faith lessons that emphasize biblical truth, preparing children to think critically and discern between what is true and what is not. (II Timothy 2:15)
• Early educators spend time each day praying for the child and family. (Colossians 1:9–10)
• Early educators recognize that teaching young children is a high honor and privilege, not one to be taken lightly. This requires continual preparation through the power of the Holy Spirit, calling on Him at all times. (I John 2:27)
• Early educators honor all children by fulfilling the model that Jesus provided as He interacted with children, demonstrating love and anointing them with a special blessing. (Mark 10:13–16, Numbers 6:24–26)
• Early educators escort the child into daily worship and praise. (Psalm 95:6–7)
• Early educators understand the developmental needs of the child so that instruction is provided in an enriched environment, allowing the child to grow the way God has planned for them. (Luke 2:52)
• Early educators provide instruction and experiences that encompass the spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive, creative, and physical domains, engaging the whole child in the learning process, while giving clear guidance. (Proverbs 4:10–13)
• Early educators understand that young children learn fundamentally different than older children and adults, and therefore use appropriate teaching methods in meeting their unique needs. (I Corinthians 13:11–12)

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  This document was written in collaboration with early education professionals in Southern California. If you would like a copy of the document which includes the outcomes, please download EE_Underpinnings_web.pdf.