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 a 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.
Online Independent Learning Series
Three web-based topics are available through our Independent Learning Series (ILS), each offering three hours of professional development. Participants complete one hour of online learning, one hour of topic-related implementation, and one live mentoring session to present their completed assignment.
Available topics include:
- Talking with Parents About Play-Based Learning
- Creating a Shared Understanding of Age-Specific Behavioral Expectations with Parents
- Partnering with Families Through Personal Faith Stories
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.
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