Startups - Early Childhood Education

Funding Available for Early Childhood Startup

The Michigan District's Early Childhood Cabinet has funding available for Michigan District Congregations that are starting a Preschool Ministry to open in the fall of the current year. The cabinet has established Core Values and a Mission Statement encouraging congregations to begin ministries to children. The cabinet seeks to assist in this endeavor by providing startup funding. Congregations need to complete and submit an application to: Michigan District, LCMS; Attn: Education Department; 3773 Geddes Road; Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Michigan District EEC Funding Application 2009 - pdf file

The cabinet will allocate funds based on the number of applications received and accepted in a given year.

"In His Hands" - Resource for Startups

The Department of Child Ministry of Synod publishes a resource for congregations interested in beginning and operating Lutheran Early Childhood Programs. This resource is available from the Board of Congregational services at 800.248.1930 ext 1269.

The 3-ring binder includes the following topics:

- Rationale
- Steps in Getting Started
- Your Early Childhood Program's Governing Body
- The Business Plan
- Communication
- Leadership - The Director
- The Early Childhood Program Staff
- Environment
- Curriculum
- Outreach to Families
- Evaluating Your Early Childhood Ministry
- Keeping the Ministry Team Connected

It also contains samples of forms and policies that will assist a congregation in developing their own materials.

You can also borrow this resource from the District Office by calling 888.225.2111 and asking to speak with someone in the education office.