Concordia to Host Annual Early Childhood Conference in June

Concordia will host an annual early childhood education conference taking place from June 2-3, 2024. Thom Leadership and Education Center, located on Concordia’s campus, is the primary location for the event that seeks to benefit and educate anyone who is interested in learning more about early childhood education, ministry or curriculum.  

Participants can register to take part on Sunday or Monday only, or the full conference from Sunday afternoon until Monday afternoon. Full conference participation costs $85, while Sunday-only participation (including dinner) costs $45 and Monday-only participation costs $55.  

According to Dr. Drew Gerdes, Concordia’s early childhood education program director, full conference attendance offers participants the best opportunities for learning and connectedness and the best cost value.  

Over 20 breakout sessions, three keynote presentations, service opportunities and time to interact with friends and colleagues are all parts of the conference that attendees can experience. Rachel Bausch, the principal of learning experience and early childhood director at St. John School in Ellisville, Missouri, will give the keynote speech at Sunday night’s dinner. Jim Gill, a popular children’s musician, will speak at two other keynote presentations. A Scholastic book fair and other vendors will be present on campus for participants’ engagement.  

Out-of-town guests can stay overnight in one of Concordia’s dorms for an additional fee. They may also choose to lodge in one of Seward’s local hotels.  

Educators, pastors, administrators and childcare providers are just a few examples of people who can benefit from attending this conference, Gerdes said. The conference will appeal to anyone who is interested in early childhood education, early childhood ministry and pedagogy that best fits today’s children and early learning programs.  

“At Concordia Nebraska, we strive to provide the best educational resources available,” said Gerdes. “As an educator and administrator,” he added, “being a lifelong learner is a key aspect of growth and professional development...with community such an integral part of who Concordia is, we encourage anyone engaged in early childhood education to come and join us.”  

The theme verse for this year’s conference is Exodus 32:6. “So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry,” it reads.  

Interested in participating in this year’s conference? Learn more here.