The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership is dedicated to improving the quality of early learning programs through professional development, research and evaluation, and public awareness. We are driven to promote greater understanding of the critical role of early childhood leaders in the provision of quality services for children and families.
The McCormick Center will serve as an important catalyst for change in transforming individuals, organizations, and external systems to better respond to the needs of children and families. As we implement initiatives that strengthen the leadership capacity of early childhood educators, the McCormick Center serves as a model for promoting collaboration with different funding sources, education and social services agencies, professional development organizations, and institutions of higher education.
We envision a world where every early childhood leader has the knowledge and skills to create a great workplace for staff and administer high-quality programs that strengthen families and promote healthy development and lifelong learning in children.
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.