Biblically grounded insight for today’s early childhood professionals.
Brought to you by the Early Childhood Christian Network, Reimagine Childhood delivers practical strategies, expert advice, and faith-filled encouragement for teaching and caring for young children.
Each episode features conversations with trusted voices in early education, offering tools you can use right away—whether you’re in the classroom, leading a team, or supporting families.
Welcome to Reimagine Childhood brought to you by Early Childhood Christian Network—where we equip you with the tools you need so you can confidently care for and teach young children.
We know early childhood is prime time for all development and, yet, we often overlook our critical role in providing optimal learning experiences. In every episode, you’ll find seasoned experts sharing their passion and expertise in a way that is easily applied to everyday experiences in the classroom and anywhere else you’re involved with young children. We want to protect and celebrate early childhood in all its wonder and imagination, rather than rushing through it to get “prepared” for the next stage.
So….how will you reimagine your approach to early childhood? We’d love to invite you on this journey with us!
In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, brought to you by the Early Childhood Christian Network, host Monica Healer sits down with Christa Ratcliffe, chapel and music teacher at Little Lights Preschool, to discuss spiritual formation in young children. Christa, a dedicated educator with a background in theological studies, emphasizes the importance of building relationships, modeling Jesus’ love, and incorporating Bible teachings into everyday interactions with infants and toddlers. The conversation covers practical strategies for integrating faith-based activities into daily classroom routines, the significance of early brain development, and the role of caregivers in shaping a child’s spiritual foundation. The episode also recommends resources like the Hug a Bible and music playlists to enhance teaching and engagement. Tune in to explore how intentional teaching and interactions can create lasting spiritual impact from an early age.
00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood
00:41 Meet Christa Ratcliffe: Educator and Musician
01:20 Spiritual Formation in Young Children
03:43 Brain Development and Early Learning
08:19 Practical Activities for Infants and Toddlers
12:16 Regional Conference Promo
14:04 Incorporating Faith in Daily Routines
22:32 Resources and Final Thoughts
Download the complete list in one doc HERE or pick and choose what’s interesting/useful for you below:
Basic Chapel Supplies for Infants – 24 months.
Easy Grip Jingle Bells-https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/music/musical-instruments/easy-grip-jingle-bells-set-of-8/p/DB952/
HugaBible-https://a.co/d/06qvEIct
Scarves-https://a.co/d/8kQvKJ8
Wrist Ribbons-https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/active-play/balance-coordination/lakeshore-wrist-ribbons-set-of-12/p/DD127/
Velcro Dots (to attach Bible Story clip art and pictures to the Flannel Board)-https://a.co/d/5hhBgFl
Flannel/Felt Board-https://a.co/d/09o9rwSV