About the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

In 2024, the Robert R. McCormick Foundation made a landmark investment in recognition of both the Center for Early Childhood Leadership and National Louis University’s significant contributions to early childhood education, and our potential to change the trajectory of young children and families in Illinois and beyond. The new McCormick Institute for Early Childhood will further elevate NLU’s reputation in early childhood, increase our impact in the field, and expand access, equity, and innovation for the early childhood workforce. 

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Our Mission

Our Vision

Our mission is to elevate the early childhood profession through programming that is innovative, responsive, and informed by practice, applied research, and community and policy engagement.​

We envision a world positively transformed by the impact of the early childhood profession on the lives of children and families.

Our Values

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Access

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Excellence

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Innovation

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Equity