We Elevate the Early Childhood Profession
Through Innovative and Responsive Programming Informed by Practice, Applied Research, and Community and Policy Engagement.
About Us
The McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University was established in 2024, building on NLU's 138-year legacy of leadership in preparing professionals for the critical field of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The Institute continues the transformational work initiated by the (formerly McCormick) Center for Early Childhood Leadership, which has a long, transformational history of elevating ECEC leaders.
Through the McCormick Institute and the Center for Early Childhood Leadership, we provide dynamic, learner-centered professional development, technical assistance, coaching, and assessment services. We conduct relevant, applied research and program evaluation that actively engages communities, advocates, and policymakers to ensure professionals in this essential field are well-prepared, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
Our Four Strands of Work
Early Childhood Leadership
The Center for Early Childhood Leadership cultivates and strengthens leadership that promotes excellence and increases their impact on the early childhood education and care profession. This mission supports the Center’s vision of a thriving and unified profession that recognizes excellence in leadership as an essential component of a sustainable early childhood education and care ecosystem.
Professional Preparation
We provide innovative solutions that advance the careers and financial stability of early childhood professionals while promoting positive outcomes for children. We ensure that a diverse pipeline of professionals has access to innovative and scalable training and preparation options.
Applied Research
We lead with research that informs workforce policy and practice, drives innovation and continuous improvement, and contributes to thought leadership in the field.
Community and Policy Engagement
Leveraging our strategic applied research agenda, we engage community members, advocates, systems leaders and administrative policymakers in developing administrative policies that benefit young children, families and the early childhood field.
