Cindy Ideker teaches Early Childhood Age 4 at Martin Luther School in Joplin, Missouri — a Joplin native, lifelong community member, and one of the most experienced early childhood educators in the area. Cindy Ideker has spent more than two decades working with young children, and she pours all of that experience into helping her Age 4 students take their first steps in faith and learning.
Before joining the MLS faculty, Mrs. Ideker spent 20 years as co-owner of Ladybugs and Jellybeans Childcare and Preschool, where she served as director and lead teacher for the preschool and pre-k program. That chapter gave her deep expertise in early childhood development and the operational wisdom of someone who built a program from the ground up. A Joplin High School graduate (class of 1994), she went on to earn her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in 2007 and an Associate of Arts in Child Development from Crowder College in 2009.
Mrs. Ideker has been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for many years, serving on the Youth Board and the Altar Guild — bringing to MLS roots in both the Joplin community and the congregation that supports this school. She and her husband Joseph have been married for 14 years. They have two daughters, Caleese and Jesse, two wonderful grandchildren, and a yellow lab named Sadie. She looks forward to teaching every child about God’s love and grace — and giving each one the foundation they need as they begin their educational journey.
Education & Credentials
Mrs. Ideker holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (2007) and an Associate of Arts in Child Development from Crowder College (2009). She is a Joplin High School graduate (1994) who has invested in this community’s children her entire professional life. Her 20 years co-owning and directing Ladybugs and Jellybeans Childcare give her not just credentials, but deep, practical wisdom in what young children need to flourish.
Cindy Ideker — Church & Community
Mrs. Ideker is a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving on the Youth Board and Altar Guild — the same congregation that supports Martin Luther School. Her roots in both the Joplin community and the Immanuel family mean she understands the church-school partnership from the inside. She brings that investment to her Age 4 classroom every day, teaching not just skills but faith, grace, and the love of God.
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (ESV)
Martin Luther School is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation. Enroll your child or schedule a tour.