Emilie Austin is the Manager of Learning Experience Design and Innovation for the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University. In this role, she leads the design, development, and implementation of innovative instructional solutions that enhance learning outcomes and advance the Institute’s mission to strengthen early childhood leadership and practice. Emilie collaborates with subject matter experts, trainers, and institutional partners to create engaging, accessible, and research-informed learning experiences across multiple modalities, including e-learning, blended, and instructor-led formats. As part of her work, Emilie champions the integration of emerging technologies and pedagogical best practices such as AI-driven personalization, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and competency-based education to foster meaningful learning experiences for professionals in the early childhood field. She also provides leadership in continuous quality improvement, supporting data-informed design and innovation across MIEC programs. She is passionate about advancing equitable, learner-centered education and empowering educators through creative and effective instructional design.
Learn how AI tools like Gemini Gems, NotebookLM, and Perplexity Spaces can help early childhood administrators reclaim valuable time, streamline operations, and focus more on staff, families, and program impact.
Aprende a optimizar tu trabajo educativo con el Taller Básico de Hojas de Cálculo de Google para Educadores de la Primera Infancia. Domina herramientas digitales para planificar, organizar y evaluar con eficiencia.
Formación clave para líderes en cuidado infantil: objetivos pedagógicos, gestión y habilidades esenciales para el éxito profesional.
Taking the time to discover more about the family and allowing the family to learn more about the provider and the provider’s program is an essential step for getting it right, from the start. References Talan, T.T. & Bloom, P.J. (2018). Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (2nd ed.). New York: NY: Teachers College Press. If you are a family child care provider and interested in learning more about business and professional practices apply for Taking the Lead, a nine-month leadership academy.
This document may be printed, photocopied, and disseminated freely with attribution. All content is the property of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
Red Light: An educator who identifies their beliefs in AI with a red light is not ready or open to using the tool in any way in their classroom. They could be skeptical about the reliability of AI, wary of its ethical effects, or uncertain how it will affect traditional teaching methodologies. Yellow Light: A yellow light means that a person is interested and willing to try AI but is not ready to go “all in.” They will be willing to try it in small increments but may need further assistance or training to adopt AI fully. Green Light: Educators in this category are ready to investigate how AI might add to their pedagogies and make administrative work more manageable.
Boost productivity and streamline communication by using Google Forms for surveys, feedback, and collaboration.
Reflect on 'Why Did I Believe' (06/13/23), exploring insights, lessons, and perspectives that challenge assumptions and inspire growth.
This document may be printed, photocopied, and disseminated freely with attribution. All content is the property of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
