McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

The 2026 panel, "Navigating the Rapids: Using Data, Policy Levers, and Collective Impact to Keep Your Program Afloat," will be moderated by Dr. Ola J. Friday, Executive Director of the @EarlyEdCollab. Join us at Leadership Connections, May 27-29, 2026, in Schaumburg, IL!

We're thrilled to announce the panelists for the 2026 Teri Talan Public Policy Forum, sponsored by @KaplanCo! The Leadership Connections forum features a panel of national experts, including @ehaspel @ChildCareAware @nafcc. Learn more: mccormickinstitute.nl.edu/leadership-con…

Congratulations to our newest @NationalLouisU Assistant Professors of Practice in the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood: Dr. Yvonne Williams, Dr. Jane Humphries, Barb Volpe, and Robyn Kelton!

Early child care and education leaders are busy! Here are some simple, manageable practices that can fit into even the busiest days, while still making a lasting difference. Read our article, "Small Strategies That Have Big Payoffs." 🔗 buff.ly/0xUAbZX

We’re excited to share that Jessica Iandola is now a member of the @ExchangePress Leadership Initiative, a collective of peer-chosen leaders dedicated to early childhood education and care. Learn more about the Exchange Leadership Initiative: hub.exchangepress.com/leadership/

Discover speakers and sessions specifically for leadership in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Learn more about the McCormick Institute's 25th annual Leadership Connections conference, May 27-29, 2026, in Schaumburg, IL. buff.ly/zOr8Onq

Save $50 when you register for Leadership Connections 2026 by midnight on Saturday, March 21! Early bird pricing for full-conference registration (May 27-29, 2026) ends Saturday night. 🔗 The 25th annual conference for early childhood leaders: buff.ly/zOr8Onq

Dr. Yvonne Williams, Associate Director of Family Child Care Professional Learning, spoke at the Teamwork Englewood (@tmwkenglewood)Early Childhood Learning Program event today.

McCormick team members Jessica Iandola and Shuntae Richardson are proud to represent our commitment to early childhood education and care at the Early Childhood Today Conference, hosted at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. If you’re attending, be sure to say hello!

In 1985, Paula Jorde Bloom founded the Center for Early Childhood Leadership, which is now the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University. During Women’s History Month, we celebrate Paula’s vision and the lasting impact. 🔗 buff.ly/XxlYQ5Y

You’re leading, teaching, and inspiring your team every day, and your growth matters too! Aim4Excellence is designed for ECE childhood leaders and is: ✔️ Self-Paced ✔️ Online ✔️ Nationally recognized Earn your Director Credential online: buff.ly/ezJolhj

We are excited to welcome Camila Patiño to the McCormick Institute team! As a Family Child Care Professional Learning Training Specialist, Camila will co-lead family child care leadership academies and support professional learning experiences.

McCormick Institute Executive Director Dr. Lisa Downey is a panelist for RESPECT Across Nebraska's upcoming webinar on Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). Learn more and join her on March 30!

Anchors up! The theme for the 2026 Leadership Connections national conference is "Onward!” Learn actionable tips, strategies, and insights on how to navigate “rough seas” during uncertain times, while supporting “smooth sailing” as ECEC leaders. 🔗 buff.ly/bBt7Tkg

Explore the work of several women who have made significant contributions to access to education. This Women's History Month, reflect on how deepening our understanding of the women who paved the way in education can strengthen programs. 🔗 buff.ly/UmRKCaa

Jessica Iandola, the McCormick Institute's Aim4Excellence Specialist & State Registry Coordinator, attended the Michigan AEYC (@MiAEYC) annual conference in Grand Rapids, MI!

What's bringing YOU to Leadership Connections this year? Learn more about the National Conference for Early Childhood Leaders, May 27-29, 2026, in Schaumburg, IL: mccormickinstitute.nl.edu/leadership-con…

Calling all Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Leaders who SUPPORT the Leaders of our field! Coaches, TA Providers, Faculty, and Trainers/Consultants: Looking to advance your skills as a leader in the field of ECEC? Leadership Connections🔗 buff.ly/bzWd1yb

Director of Aim4Excellence, Dr. Jane Humphries, is attending The Goddard School Franchisee Convention in San Antonio this week. While running the McCormick Institute booth in the exhibit hall, she is connecting with colleagues and friends.

Join us for Part 2 of this webinar series to discover how AI tools like Gemini Gems, NotebookLM, and Perplexity Spaces can help you streamline your external communications so you can focus more on what matters most: staff, families, and children. 🔗 buff.ly/5o6xDBT

Early childhood leaders, what if artificial intelligence (AI) could give you back hours each week? Reclaim Your Time Using AI — Creating Space for Children & Relationships Part 2: External Engagement Wednesday, March 4, 2026 1:00–2:30 PM CT 🔗 buff.ly/5o6xDBT