Concordia Nebraska to present 2025 Early Childhood Education Conference in June

Concordia University, Nebraska will present its 2025 Early Childhood Education Conference June 1-2, 2025. Intentionally designed for educators, administrators, pastors and childcare providers, the event will focus on those who serve young children birth through age eight. The conference will feature keynote speaker Dr. Kim Marxhausen, a Scholastic Book Fair, various breakout sessions, networking opportunities and more. 

“This conference is designed for early childhood educators, primary level educators, pastors, administrators and others who work in congregations with young children and families,” said Concordia Nebraska Assistant Professor of Education, Early Childhood Education Program Director and Director of Student Teaching Dr. Drew Gerdes. “We value making connections with other professionals who work in the field of early childhood and have included opportunities throughout the event to meet others.” 

The event’s theme is “Anchored” and is based on Hebrews 6:19: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  

We value making connections with other professionals who work in the field of early childhood and have included opportunities throughout the event to meet others.

“Our topic this year is about the popular book by Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation. Our keynote presenter and many of the break-out sessions will tie content into how to best support students and parents with this recent information,” added Gerdes. “Our theme, Anchored, points to how we can remain firm in our faith while successfully navigating the world in which we live.” 

The conference will take place in the Thom Leadership and Education Center on the Concordia Nebraska campus. Some programming will also take place at St. John Child Development Center, which is adjacent to the university campus. Lodging for out of town guests is available in Seward’s local hotels and in the university’s dorms. 

“Concordia Nebraska has a long-standing reputation of providing high-quality professional development for early childhood professionals serving in faith-based, independent and public schools,” added Gerdes. “We have participants who come from different states; some have been coming to this event for more than 20 years!” 

Participants can register to take part on Sunday or Monday only, or the full conference from Sunday afternoon until Monday afternoon. Early-bird, full conference participation is $85, while early bird Sunday-only participation (including dinner) is $45 and early bird Monday-only participation is $55. Prices increase May 15. A pre-conference event will also be available on Sunday morning and will focus on play-based learning in a faith-based classroom. Cost is $25 and includes lunch.  

“We are excited to provide participants with research-based, relevant content that will impact the work they do in the classroom, but also as they build and maintain strong relationships with students and families,” said Gerdes. 

Learn more about the conference or register at cune.edu/ecc. 

 The early childhood education program at Concordia University, Nebraska equips teacher candidates with a current and well-researched curriculum to help them teach children at a critical stage in their growth and development. In addition to adding the supplemental early childhood endorsement to an elementary teaching degree, Concordia Nebraska also offers a stand-alone, birth through third grade inclusive program. With this degree, graduates will be able to teach and provide services to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergarten through third grade children, including those with special developmental or learning needs.