Early Childhood Education
The development of the Seventh-day Adventist educational model for early childhood education has its foundation in a Biblical context with counsel provided by Ellen G. White concerning the upbringing and purposeful training of the young child. Three scriptural verses on which this philosophy leans upon gives instruction to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, King James Version), teach the words of Holy Script “diligently unto thy children” (Deuteronomy 6:7), and to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6).
To these admonitions, White adds that “True education… has to do with the whole being… It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers” (White, 1903/2002, Ed., p. 13, ¶1). Such harmonious development is found in the study of God’s law, the Bible, nature, service to others and “useful occupation” (White, 1903/2002, Ed., p. 21, ¶3). Adventist early childhood professionals believe that the foundation of a strong, well-balanced character must coincide with the acquisition of academics. Hence, the “first object of education is to direct our minds” and those of our children to God’s revelation of Himself (Matthew 6:22; Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 9:10; White, 1903/2002, Ed., p. 16, ¶4).
This is where developmentally appropriate, Christ-centered early childhood education and care must begin. “No work ever undertaken by man requires greater care and skill than the proper training and education of youth and children” (White, 1954/2002, CG, p. 39, ¶1).
Adventist early childhood programs located within church or school settings have a very special role to play in the education and training of young children. The opportunity to care for another’s child provides a sacred opportunity to build strong bonds of trust and confidence between teacher, child and parent.
Adventist early childhood programs are community service efforts aimed at supporting the family and family structure. It is our desire that your experience within our early childhood programs will provide you with the support every family needs and the respect every individual deserves.
References
Bible Gateway
Ellen G. White’s book Child Guidance
Ellen G. White’s book Education
More Information
The Most Important Tool: OBEDIENCE
The Most Important Skill: CREATIVE IMAGINATION
Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Adventist Child Care
Benefits of a Developmentally Appropriate Program
Developmental Appropriate Practices in Adventist Early Childhood Programs
Christine Gillan Byrne, coordinator
Christine holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in special education from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, an Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S) from La Sierra University, Riverside, CA and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree in Educational Administration and Leadership also from La Sierra University.
Her undergraduate degree in early childhood was earned at Pacific Union College. From 1993-2001 she was the administrator for Kiddie Kollege, the child development center on the campus of Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska and lead consultant for Child Care Problems and Solutions. During this time she was also president of the Nebraska Association for the Advancement of Child Care Services (NAACCS), a non-profit training and certification organization.
Dr. Byrne is a member in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the editor for the Adventist Child Care Network (ACCN) Newsletter as well as the category editor for Curriculum and Instruction Resource Center Linking Educators (CIRCLE) which is the on-line Seventh-day Adventist clearinghouse for curriculum and other instructional resources.
Contact: E-mail
Phone: 805-413-7344
High resolution photo of Christine Gillan Bryne
Cheryl Dickerson, administrative assistant, early childhood education
Contact: E-mail
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