The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership empowers leaders and advances the field to promote excellence in early childhood education.
We envision innovative and responsive early childhood systems with extraordinary leaders who inspire the best start for every child.
Founded in 1985 on a $600 grant by Dr. Paula Jorde Bloom, the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership started as a project of passion. Back then, professional learning for early childhood leaders was non-existent. Paula broke this ground, dedicating her life to improving the leadership capacity of the early childhood workforce.
The McCormick Center team is composed of passionate individuals dedicated to improving the whole leadership skills of the early childhood workforce. Our collective experience in early childhood leadership spans decades and continues to grow, as our reach and team continue to expand.
Join us, and use your skills to build a better future for children, one leader at a time.
As part of National Louis University (NLU), the McCormick Center builds on the university’s history of accomplishments in the field of early childhood education. From its founding in 1886 as a vital force in the kindergarten movement, NLU has remained rooted in educational progressivism, helping students of all ages and educational backgrounds achieve their personal and professional goals. The McCormick Center is committed to these same ideals.