Concordia hosts 2012 Early Childhood Conference

Published by Concordia University, Nebraska 11 years ago on Wed, May 30, 2012 12:22 PM

Concordia hosted its 13th annual Early Childhood Conference on June 13. This year’s theme was “Learning that Lingers…Miles of Smiles.”

“This conference addresses current professional issues facing pastors, principals, administrators and teachers who serve in both public and parish education,” said Annette Oliver, conference organizer and education professor. “Conference attendees network and gain valuable information to take back into their classrooms and communities.”

The conference featured Jeff A. Johnson, a family child care provider, speaker, author and toy maker as the keynote speaker. Drew D. Gerdes, early childhood educator and director, delivered the luncheon address.

Johnson and his wife operate a home-based childcare program focusing on emergent and play-based learning. He has presented to thousands of providers in the U.S. and in Ireland. He is the author of seven books which focus on child-centered early learning and caregiver self-care.

Gerdes spoke about the difference teachers make in the lives of their students as well as the difficulties and rewards of teaching early childhood in relation to God’s purpose in ministry.