Initiative for Early Childhood Education
The Concordia University, Nebraska Initiative for Early Childhood Education seeks to partner with Lutheran schools, districts and organizations by offering innovative, accessible and affordable systems of Gospel-centered training that reflect best practice in early childhood education. Specific attention is given to the following areas: leadership development, faith formation, play-based learning, developmentally appropriate practice and authentic assessment.
Our Vision
To engage with and support those serving in our Lutheran early childhood programs by delivering a range of innovative and Christ-centered training to meet a variety of professional development needs to enhance teaching and learning.
Current Professional Development Opportunities (in-person and web-based)
Train-the-Trainer: Play-Based Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom
Step into an in-person training designed to help you pause, recharge, and rediscover the joy of play. Immerse yourself in creativity and curiosity while gaining practical strategies to design and sustain engaging, play-based learning environments that are essential for young learners. Participants will receive 10 clock hours of professional development or one CEU upon completion of the workshops and implementation of the application activities.
There are a number of official trainers available to come to your location and lead a Play-Based Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom workshop; contact Dr. Drew Gerdes for more information regarding costs and processes.
Additionally, LCMS districts or geographical regions may partner together and invite early childhood administrators to be trained together; this allows early childhood administrators to work directly with their staff for professional development on the Play-Based Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom topic.
Online Independent Learning Series
Three web-based topics are available through our Independent Learning Series (ILS). Videos below are available to view at no charge.
Opportunity to earn Concordia University Clock Hours of Professional Development are available for each video topic as well, offering three to five hours of professional development for a low cost of $10 per topic. Participants complete online learning (video viewing) and topic-related reflection and implementation (documents provided after registration).
Available videos and independent learning topics include:
- Talking to Families About Play-Based Learning
- Talking with Families About Challenging Behavior
- Partnering with Families Through Personal Faith Stories
If you are interested in using the Independent Learning Series topics and wish to earn appropriate clock-hours, contact Dr. Drew Gerdes for registration information.
Graduate and Undergraduate Certificates
With an Early Childhood Education certificate from Concordia University, Nebraska, you gain practical tools to strengthen your teaching skills, advance your career, and deepen your impact on young learners. Two certificate options are available:
Early Childhood Administration
Examine current and developmentally appropriate practices for organizing, planning, managing and evaluating programs for young children.
Early Childhood Teacher as Leader
Gain essential knowledge and skills in child development, curriculum, faith formation and play-based learning to lead effectively in Lutheran and Christian early childhood programs.
Early Childhood Resources
For information about how to host, join, costs, or registration for professional development opportunities, please contact Dr. Drew Gerdes, Director of Early Childhood Education at Drew.Gerdes@cune.edu
Annual Early Childhood Conference
Concordia University, Nebraska, also hosts an annual Early Childhood Conference on campus in Seward each June. Participations from around Nebraska, as well as neighboring states appreciate this professional development opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
(Psalm 78:4)
Assistant Professor of Education, Early Childhood Education Program Director, Director of Student Teaching, Lois Nielsen Endowed Professor