The Power of Facilitated Cohorts and Online Learning Using Aim4Excellence | McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership

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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My Bookshelf: Titles That Inspire, Inform, and Influence

By Barb Volpe • July 14, 2025

by barb volpe This summer, as I dove into Mindset : The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, I found myself reflecting on the books that have shaped how I think, lead, coach, and grow—not just as a professional, but as a person. These books have informed how I show up in my work: how I support others, design and facilitate professional learning, and continue to learn myself. So, I thought I’d share what’s on my shelf—the books I’ve read and returned to, and the ones I’m looking forward to next. Maybe one will speak to you, too. Books I’ve Read (or Reread) This Year (These have sparked recent insights or support current work.) The PD book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development by Elena Aguilar and Lori Cohen . I love a book that is a perfect blend of the “why” and “how to” for designing transformational professional development. I am a big fan of Elena Aguilar’s books, and this is one of my favorites. Lose the Lecture: Engaging Approaches to Early Childhood Professional Learning by Teresa A. Byington . Another great book with lots of tips and strategies to engage early childhood adult learners. This book is great for those who facilitate (coaches, mentors, early childhood directors, and trainers). It gave me new tools for designing interactive sessions. Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath . A go-to resource on leading change, packed with memorable stories and practical strategies. The ideas of “directing the rider, motivating the elephant, and shaping the path” stuck with me. The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier . This book is approachable, concise, and surprisingly powerful—it offers a way to ask key questions for coaching in your regular routine. Onward: Cultivating the Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar . I found myself returning to this throughout the year. It’s not just a book—it’s a companion through the ups and downs of working in education. Books I Return to Again and Again (These books live close by. They are grounding, uplifting, and continue to offer new insights no matter how many times I read them.) Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach: The Power of Dialogue in Educating Adults by Jane Vella . Every time I revisit this book, I’m reminded of the power of listening and true dialogue in adult learning. A must-read for anyone who facilitates learning. Circle of the Nine Muses: A Storytelling Field Guide for Innovators and Meaning Makers by David Hutchens . A playful and powerful guide to using storytelling in professional settings. I return to it when I want to bring more heart and creativity into facilitation. Inspiring Peak Performance: Competence, Commitment, and Collaboration by Paula Jorde Bloom, Ann Hentschel, and Jill Bella . An excellent guide for leaders aiming to build strong teams. It offers frameworks that feel grounded in real early childhood contexts. Reflecting in Communities of Practice: A Workbook for Early Childhood Educators by Deb Curtis, Debbie Lebo, Wendy C.M. Cividanes, Margie Carter . A hands-on, thoughtful workbook that helps teams go deeper together. The reflection prompts are gold for peer learning teams and coaching. The Art of Awareness: How Observation Can Transform Your Teaching by Deb Curtis and Margie Carter . Reading this feels like an invitation to slow down and truly see children. A beautiful reminder of why observation matters. Leading with Heart and Soul by Toni Christie . A heartfelt book on leadership that blends personal reflection with professional purpose. It speaks to the soul of early childhood leadership. I simply love this book; it brings me back to my “why”. Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education by Ann McClain Terrell . This book models leadership that is dignified, values-driven, and relationship-based. It’s like a wise mentor in book form. The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander . This book helps me reframe challenges and step into possibility. It’s equal parts philosophical and practical—a favorite when I need inspiration. Books Waiting for Me (On my “to-be-read” list, each is chosen with curiosity and intention. I’m looking forward to what they will teach me!) Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact by Dan Heath and Chip Heath Joy, Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love by Richard Sheridan Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning by James M. Lang Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor Respect: An Exploration by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot Exit: The Endings That Set Us Free by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot These books have informed how I lead, learn, and reflect. I share this list not as a prescription, but as an invitation. I’d love to hear what’s on your bookshelf! Here are a few questions to get you thinking: What is a book that shaped your thinking or affirmed your values? Which titles do you return to again and again—and why? What kind of learning or growth are you seeking right now? Is there a book that might support that journey? What book would you recommend to someone stepping into leadership for the first time? Is there a story or quote from a book that has stayed with you? Each time I finish a good book, I feel like something in me has shifted—even if just a little. The stories, ideas, and questions stay with me and often show up in unexpected ways in my work and life. As Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said, “The mind, once stretched by a new idea, never returns to its original dimensions.” I share this list not because I have all the answers, but because these books have helped stretch my thinking—and maybe one or two of them will do the same for you.