The Power of Facilitated Cohorts and Online Learning

In 2008, Dr. Paula Jorde Bloom launched an online program called Aim4Excellence, a credential early childhood leaders could earn to support their professional growth and learning. Utilizing state-of-the-art online learning tools, Dr. Bloom, with the assistance of other early childhood experts, created a unique curriculum. The purpose was to support early childhood leaders. Lessons focused on systems thinking, operational management, and, most importantly, leadership development—how to be a leader in the field of early childhood education and care. Video recordings captured leaders from across the field who shared the lessons they had learned, including insights gleaned from years of experience serving in the role. Over time, the program continued to evolve with updated content and enhanced technology. Facilitated cohorts, led by trained Aim4Excellence Facilitators, began to take flight across the country and included a partnership with South Carolina (SC) First Steps 4K.

As a child care owner and director, Kristine Jenkins sought out the Aim4Excellence program to gain higher-level learning experiences for herself. In 2012, she transitioned to SC First Steps as a 4K Coach and serves today as 4K Manager. In her new role, she interacted with child care directors across the state who also felt they needed additional educational opportunities specific to early childhood leadership. As Kristine collaborated with other colleagues within the 4K program, they provided their leaders with additional support and premier professional development opportunities. Borrowing a phrase from Dr. Jorde Bloom, they recognized early childhood leaders as the “gatekeepers to quality.”

In 2018, the SC First Steps 4K Program offered its first tuition scholarships for early childhood leaders to complete the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential. This included undergraduate tuition for anyone who had not yet completed a 4-year or Bachelor’s degree. Kristine completed the National Director Credential, the Aim4Excellence Facilitator Training, and served as the very first facilitator in South Carolina. Since then, the program has supported six cohorts, with a seventh currently taking place, and has sponsored over 100 early childhood education leaders who earned the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential.

Why did SC First Steps 4K choose to utilize the Aim4Excellence cohort model? Adults differ from children in their learning as they bring a vast array of history and experience to the learning environment. They are all at different stages in life, have well-developed individual strengths, and have a range of learning experiences behind them. SC First Steps 4K cohort members committed to strengthening their professional development by engaging in a new learning journey. With the support provided by the program, there were opportunities for ongoing development, active participation, and completion of each module. Supported by the facilitator’s knowledge of the principles of self-directed learning, motivational theory, critical reflection, and transformative learning, participants were guided based on where they were within the learning process. SC First Steps 4K recognized that while early childhood pedagogy was important, program leaders also needed to enhance business skills and build leadership skills. They also knew that accessibility was a barrier for many directors; courses through the South Carolina technical college system were primarily available in person. By providing Aim4Excellence as an online learning option, it could be delivered to meet the needs of early childhood leaders across their state, including having it approved by their professional development registry system, SC Endeavors.

As the Aim4Excellence Facilitator, Kristine understood that all cohort members were committed to lifelong learning. Acknowledging this as the facilitator, she supported cohort members by adding meaning and insight to new learning. Understanding the dynamics of the relationships in relation to participant motivation, self-discovery, and learning provided the foundation needed to take advantage of the shared day-to-day experiences of ongoing leadership in the program environment and the function of the cohort model as they met each month. She was attuned to what motivated each participant, highlighting opportunities for growth and providing the resources and support needed for self-directed learning. Bridging the gap between the participants’ online learning and the day-to-day leadership practice experiences, opportunities for deep reflection occurred during the meetings. By asking key questions, Kristine led discussions that connected ongoing experiences with the content contained within the Aim4Excellence curriculum. Her role has played a vital part in the success of the participants.

Since 2018, SC First Steps 4K has observed graduates strengthening their leadership skills while also valuing their roles as leaders within their programs, the community, and the profession. Participants have reported feeling more informed, prepared, and competent as early childhood leaders. SC First Steps 4K staff have witnessed improved practices as pedagogical leaders within programs. Evidence of this has included program leaders championing instructional support for their teachers, resulting in improved student outcomes. Graduates of AIM4Excellence have developed practices to recruit, hire, and retain quality staff. They have become exemplary leaders for others by serving as mentors within the SC First Steps 4K program. Many have assumed leadership roles in other sectors of the early childhood field, including serving as board members for professional organizations such as the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children (SCAEYC) and the South Carolina Early Childhood Association (SCECA).

The power of the facilitated cohort provides much promise and opportunity for those interested in growing early childhood leaders. Providing support to develop a community of practice allows participants to continue learning while valuing their experiences.

Let’s review some of the testimonials from SC First Steps 4K graduates:

I have definitely taken away some valuable organizational and redeveloped mental skills that my center will benefit from. This course confirmed what I always believed: that childcare starts with a vision and knowledge, but it takes “real” passion to be successful. In taking this course, I have improved my communication skills and have learned to think a little more creatively as I developed several networking campaigns for my center. Mrs. Alice Williams-Ellison, Little Love Christian Academy

This course was SO helpful for me. I have a lot of experience in childcare–I have worked in licensed centers and public schools for the last 13 years, I have a degree in early childhood education–and I felt confident in my knowledge of development and best practices. However, I have only been in the role of director now for 2 years and I still feel new at it most days! This course was extremely helpful in teaching me things about the business side of things and running a high quality child care center. Every single module taught me something new and I was able to take away a lot of valuable resources that will serve me for years to come. Morgan Horning, Miss Tammy’s Little Learning Center

I really enjoyed taking this course. When I was made director 6 years ago it was literally, “here you are our new director”, and I knew nothing about being a director. I feel much better after going through these modules. Cindy Johnson, Child Development Ministry at First United Methodist

I’ve learned a lot over the past nine months about being a director and being a leader! I really enjoyed learning the different techniques from each module that I didn’t know! I think a lot of directors would benefit from Aim4Excellence! Thanks for allowing me to get the knowledge that I needed to become a more successful director! Sharon Hunter-Graham, Dream Big Academy

As a person with physical challenges, this credential helps me show what I am capable of, and that I can do this job well, despite physical limitations. Jenn Davis, Oxford Children’s Academy

The process of completing the credential is very manageable. It was fully online. You are given ample time to complete each course at your own pace, with access and support from 4K Manager, peers and the McCormick Center. This certification helped me to identify and enhance my leadership skills and improve operations of the business on many levels such as: staff, students, parent engagement, community involvement, finances and more. If you are a Director that is very busy and may think that time does not permit, but would like to gain some additional credentials in your profession, I would recommend this program. Stephanie Webster, Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church Christian & Academic School

Want to learn more about supporting an Aim4Excellence online cohort?

Contact: Lorena Rodriquez, Aim4Excellence Program Manager at Lorena.rodriguez@nl.edu

Kristine Jenkins, M.Ed., 4K Manager with First Steps 4K, has over 28 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Of these years, 17 years were spent as an owner/director of three childcare centers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The last 12 years have been with SC First Steps 4K program where she serves as a 4K Manager, supervising a team of six coaches, and is responsible for Leadership Development, working with childcare directors on the implementation of 4K in their locations and building the overall quality of their programs. Kristine earned her undergraduate degree in Biology Secondary Education from SUNY Albany, NY and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina, Columbia.

Jane Humphries, Ed.D., serves as the Associate Director for Professional eLearning for the McCormick Institute, Center for Early Childhood Leadership, at National Louis University. She has written curriculum and facilitated online learning in graduate and undergraduate level courses since 2004. Part of her role is to provide oversight of the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation and is incorporated in multiple state quality rating and improvement systems.

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Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Recipient Monique Watts-Dennis Reflects on her Leadership Connections 2026 Experience

By Monique Watts-Dennis • June 10, 2026

Attending the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood's Leadership Connections conference as a recipient of the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship was both an honor and a transformative experience. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in a conference that brought together passionate leaders from across the field of early childhood education, all dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children, families, and educators. Throughout the conference, I gained valuable insights from inspiring presenters and informative sessions that challenged me to reflect on my own leadership journey. The experience encouraged me to think beyond my daily responsibilities and consider how I can continue to grow as a leader while making a meaningful impact within my program, my community, and the early childhood profession as a whole. One moment, in particular, changed my outlook entirely. During the Leadership Colloquium, I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Teri Talan share her professional journey from the beginning of her career to where she is today. She shared a story about Paula Jorde Bloom , the founder of the McCormick Institute, asking her where she saw herself in the future. Teri responded that she saw herself working alongside Paula. Paula’s response was something along the lines of, “I have funding for one year, but after that, you’ll need to find grants to support your position.” That story resonated deeply with me. It was a reminder that opportunities often begin with a vision, but they grow through determination, persistence, and a willingness to advocate for what you believe is needed. That evening, I returned to my hotel room feeling inspired and energized; maybe a little too inspired. I immediately sent my Executive Director a proposal for a Family Support Specialist position and shared why I believe this role would benefit our center, our families, and our children along with why I should lead the creation of this role within our center. In that moment, I realized that leadership is not just about having ideas, it’s about taking action. Teri’s story and McCormick Institute Executive Director Dr. Lisa Downey’s words on prioritizing the needs of your child care center encouraged me to stop waiting for the “right time” and instead advocate for the changes I believe can make a meaningful difference. While the sessions provided valuable knowledge and inspiration, some of the most meaningful learning happened outside the conference rooms. Conversations during lunch, networking opportunities, and informal discussions with fellow providers and leaders about the knowledge we gained within sessions allowed me to hear different perspectives, share experiences, celebrate successes, and learn from the challenges others have faced, many are the same I am facing now. These connections reminded me that leadership is not something we do alone. The relationships formed throughout the conference created a sense of community and support that I carry with me. This experience also strengthened my confidence that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Supporting children, families, and educators has always been a passion of mine, but this conference helped me recognize the deeper purpose behind that work. It reminded me that every relationship built, every family supported, and every child encouraged has the potential to create lasting positive change. The work we do in early childhood education is foundational, and I am proud to be part of a profession that helps children thrive during some of the most important years of their lives. The knowledge, conversations, and relationships gained through Leadership Connections have reinforced my commitment to helping children thrive and empowering families to succeed. I have been inspired by the dedication, resilience, and passion of fellow leaders and encouraged to continue growing both personally and professionally so that I can better serve those who depend on me. I leave this experience feeling energized, motivated, and grateful. More importantly, I leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of my role as a leader in early childhood education. The lessons learned, relationships formed, and inspiration gained through this experience will continue to influence my work and leadership for years to come. As I end, I reflect on this year's conference theme, "ONWARD," I am reminded that growth is not a destination but a journey. To me, ONWARD represents resilience, purpose, and the commitment to keep moving forward even when challenges arise. This experience has provided me with new tools, fresh perspectives, meaningful connections, and renewed confidence in my work. For that, I am deeply thankful to the McCormick Institute and honored to have been selected as a Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship recipient. ONWARD! Learn more about the annual Leadership Connections national conference. The Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund supports emerging and aspiring early childhood leaders who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for children and families. Scholarship recipients receive complimentary full-conference registration to Leadership Connections, meals provided to conference registrants, and up to three nights lodging at the conference hotel.