Est. in 1996
We strive to be the premier professional development and support organization dedicated to championing Christian early childhood educators in the Church and in childcare centers throughout the US.
Learn More About Us
We believe that young children grow, learn, and thrive best through loving, nurturing relationships in an active, engaging, play-based educational environment.
Our Philosophy
Our Mission
Who We Are
Board of Directors
Our Philosophy
Based on Psalm 127:3, ECCN believes that all children are gifts from God and that God has a plan and purpose for each one. (Jeremiah 29:11). We believe that young children grow, learn, and thrive best through loving, nurturing relationships in an active, engaging, play-based educational environment. In addition, young children deserve the right to experience God and His world by spending time outdoors.
Our Mission
The Mission of ECCN is to provide early childhood educators with affordable, relevant, and researched-based training and resources that support their endeavor to teach young children age-appropriate physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual concepts with a Biblical focus.
Who We Are
Who We Are
Established as Texas Baptist Church Weekday Education Association in 1996, Early Childhood Christian Network is a professional community of faith-based early childhood educators who believe in
Excellence in Training
Integrity in Actions
Respect for Childhood
Intentionality in Teaching Biblical Concepts
Inspiration and Encouragement
What We do
ECCN provides a variety of resources and training opportunities, support and encouragement to faith-based early education programs and others in the early education arena. All of our conferences and online courses meet or exceed the requirements for annual Texas Child Care Licensing training hours.
Why We Do It
We have a unique opportunity and responsibility to meet the developmental needs of young children and provide support for their parents. We are in a position to have a huge impact on the emotional, spiritual, and educational growth of the children in our care while we also minister to their entire family. We want to equip and encourage those who are on the front lines of childcare and early education to be effective each day. The work we are doing will have eternal rewards as we plant the seeds of the Gospel into the hearts of young children and their parents.
But Jesus called the children to him and said “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16, Mark 10:14, Matthew 19:14)
How We Do It
We provide high-quality resources and training for all early childhood educators and advocates. All of our training is relevant and research-based and presented with a biblical worldview.
Board of Directors
| Name | Title | Church/Affiliation | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monica Healer | Executive Director | First Baptist Church | McKinney, TX |
| Dr. Melissa Ewing | President | First Baptist Church | McKinney, TX |
| Paula Miller | Board Member | First Baptist Church | Georgetown, TX |
| Cassie Larson | Secretary | Trinity Baptist Church | Amarillo, TX |
| Carrie Andrus | Board Member | South Main Baptist Church | Pasadena, TX |
| Melissa Dutton | Board Member | University Baptist Church | Houston, TX |
| Lisa Nelson | Board Member | First Baptist Church | Bryan, TX |
| Tricia Haddad | Vice President | Shearer Hills Baptist Church | San Antonio, TX |
| Shawn Cotten | Board Member | First Baptist Church | Texarkana, TX |
| Dr. Karen Kennemur | Board Member | Stonegate Church | Midlothian, TX |
Our Staff
Monica Healer
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Monica comes to ECCN with a broad range of experience from technology to classroom instruction to business administration. Upon leaving the corporate technology world, the Lord led her into the realm of early childhood education and she hasn’t looked back. She has served as a classroom teacher and then as an administrator in a large church weekday program. She has held leadership roles on various nonprofit boards in her community and in her home church of First Baptist Church, McKinney. She is passionate about age-appropriate instruction in early childhood programs as well as the encouragement and support of those leading and serving in our programs each day. She received her BBA in Management Information Systems from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and currently resides in McKinney with her husband and three adult sons.
Emmalee Webb
MINISTRY OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE
Emmalee is a mother of two with a passion for raising them with Christ-centered intentionally and comes with excitement for equipping others to do the same in the classroom or the home. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor of Musical Arts (Worship Arts Emphasis) and a Minor in Marketing. Emmalee loves all things creative such as spending time creating music, redecorating her home, or writing. She is zealous about living in intentional community and craves to be a learner all her life.
Our Values
Excellence in Training
Integrity in Actions
Respect for Childhood
Teaching Biblical Concepts
Inspiration and Encouragement
Contact Us
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