Early Childhood Conference
Professional development for early childhood, birth-grade 3 teachers, paras, home providers and administrators.
Date and Time
June 1 - 2, 2025
Anchored! Based on Hebrews 6:19
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."
Concordia University, Nebraska is proud to host another annual conference for those engaged in early childhood education. Educators, administrators and others who work with young children, birth through age 8, will benefit from participating in this event.
Registration
Train the Trainer Pre-Conference Registration
Registration tip: Be prepared with all your information before using the registration link; the link will time-out after 15 minutes.
Register Now: Early Childhood Initiative Train the Trainer
Early Childhood Conference Registration
Registration tip: Be prepared with all your information before using the registration link; the link will time-out after 15 minutes.
Register Now: Early Childhood Conference
Early Childhood Conference Registration Booklet
Early-Bird Registration Costs - If registered before May 15th:
Sunday-only Conference (includes Sunday Keynote Dinner): $45.00 (after May 15: $55)
Monday-only Conference (does not include lunch): $55.00 (after May 15: $65)
Full Conference (includes Sunday and Monday): $85.00 (after May 15: $100)
Monday Box Lunches will be available for purchase (pre-registration and payment). Other lunch options are available throughout Seward.
Clock Hours:
Sunday-only participants will receive a certificate of attendance for 4 clock hours of professional development.
Monday-only participants will receive a certificate of attendance for 7 clocks hours of professional development.
Full Conference participants will receive a certificate of attendance for 11 clock hours of professional development.
2025 Early Childhood Conference Tentative Schedule:
Train the Trainer Pre-Conference for Early Childhood Directors and Leaders
- June 1, 2025 (Concordia University, Nebraska Early Childhood Conference pre-conference event)
- 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
- Topic: Play Based Learning in the Faith Based Classroom
- Presenters: Cheryl Haun and Andrea Lohman
- Directors will receive all training materials to take back to their programs to train their staff, 3 training credit from Concordia University, Nebraska and training credit for their staff as they complete the training with their staff.
- Special launch fee: $25 (Includes lunch)
Sunday, June 1
Registration 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Thom Lobby
Scholastic Book Fair Open 1:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Thom Classroom
Session A 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Various Locations
Session B 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Various Locations
Socialization & Appetizers 4:45 - 5:15 p.m.
Janzow Campus Center
Keynote Dinner Speaker 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Janzow Campus Center
Anchored in Hope
If we were artists or chefs, we would immediately see the results of our work. In teaching we get flimpses of success, but most of what we teach will bear fruit many years down the road. There are particular mindsets we can teach that promote healthy outcomes. In these's practices, we anchor our teaching in hope.
Optional Evening Socialization (on own)
Various location options will be noted
Monday, June 2
Registration Continues 7:45 - 8:30 a.m.
Thom Lobby
Coffee & Pastries 7:45 - 8:30 a.m.
Thom Main Street
Vendors, Exhibits, Scholastic Book Fair 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Thom Main Street
Welcome & Morning Keynote 8:45 - 10:30 a.m.
Janzow Campus Center
Session C 10:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Various Locations
Lunch & Networking 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Janzow Campus Center
Afternoon Keynote 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Janzow Campus Center
Session D 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.
Various Locations
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Kim Marxhausen
Join us as we learn about best practices in working with “the anxious generation”.
Sunday Dinner Keynote: Anchored in Hope
If we were artists or chefs, we would immediately see the results of our work. In teaching we get glimpses of success, but most of what we teach will bear fruit many years down the road. There are particular mindsets we can teach that promote healthy outcomes. In these practices, we anchor our teaching in hope.
Monday Keynote Information: The Anxiety Antidote
As early childhood educators, we find ourselves working with anxious parents raising anxious children. Anxiety in the classroom does little to promote learning or healthy emotional skills. To compete in the world of their future, our students need the opposite of the current situation. Evidence-based practice presents us with hefty tools to create the anxiety antidote in our classrooms and centers. Armed with those tools, we can make a difference.
Lodging Options
Liberty House Bed & Breakfast: (402) 643-2555
East Hill Motel: (402) 643-3679
CobbleStone Inn & Suites: (402) 646-1004
Campus lodging options also available.
Need more details? Do you have questions?
Contact:
Dr. Drew Gerdes, Conference Chairperson
Email: drew.gerdes@cune.edu
Phone: 402-643-7128
Thank you to Nebraska’s Southeast Early Learning Connection for their funding assistance for our keynote speaker.
Thank you to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund – Nebraska District for their sponsorship of breaks and refreshments during the conference event.
