"DIRECTed" is an continuing education program for Early Childhood Directors.

DIRECTed serves as a "Professional Learning Community" experience for
leaders in Early Childhood ministries. Each workshop is 4 weeks in length led by a Concordia University Professor and/or field practitioner. Weekly readings, practical applications and a one-hour conference call connect participants with lively discussion and helpful learning insights. Each four week workshop is $100.00 per person plus materials. Participants receive six hours of CEU upon completion of each four week workshop.

Please note: This course does not qualify for college credit.

Fall/Winter Session Now Enrolling!

Classes are on Mondays at 5:00 Central Time

Leadership/Strategic Planning

David Widenhofer

September 14, 21, 28 and October 5

The early childhood director as a change agent and leader will be explored.  Participants, with their operating boards, will establish a vision and a mission with goals and action plans. 

Staff Development and Outreach

Rebecca Schmidt

October 12, 19, 26 and November 2

The hiring process and termination process will be examined in this workshop.  Policies, procedures, documentation, professional development, outreach strategies and evaluations will be some of the areas explored.

Child Development

Martha Streufert Jander

November 9, 16, 23, 30

Spiritual nurture and the stages of child development with an overflow of theorists will be covered.  Supervision and evaluation of curriculum and the testing of young children will be examined.

Family Systems/Outreach

Dr. Steve Christopher

January 4, 11, 25 and February 1

This workshop deals with the opportunities for ministry with families, congregational partnerships and the role of staff as extended family.  Family of origin, home visits, birth order and the impact of media and technology on families and classrooms will be discussed.

Lutheran Teachings

David Christian

February 8, 22 and March 1, 8

The Sacraments and the Church Year will be explained.  Ways to experience personal spiritual growth will be covered in this workshop as well as tools for evaluating curriculum from a Lutheran perspective.

Business Management/Development

David Widenhofer

March 15, 22, 29 and April 5

This workshop deals with the ministry/business balance, development and congregational governance.  Team ministry, communication, delegation and working with the board will be discussed.

Click here  to read the "DIRECTed" Brochure.

Click here for class schedules for DIRECTed

Click Here to register for DIRECTed classes.

Click Here to login to the DIRECTed Applicant Gateway.