Paula Steffen reflects on over 40 years in early childhood leadership—her journey, roles, and heartfelt gratitude as she retires as Quality Supports & Evaluation Manager.
Meet the 2025 Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship recipient and learn how this outstanding individual is advancing leadership and excellence in early childhood education.
The words from the song PEOPLE: People who need people Are the luckiest people in the world These words are what come to mind as I reflect on my career at National Louis University (NLU). I want to thank all those people whom I have I worked with, encountered, coached, and served in the various […]
The post Retiree Marleen Barrett celebrates her 15 years with National Louis University first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
The McCormick Center will soon be housed in the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood as the Center for Early Childhood Leadership. The Institute, which will launch in late Fall 2024, will expand access, equity, and innovation within the early childhood education (ECE) sector. With this important work and transition already underway, Lisa Downey, Ed.D., has […]
The post Lisa Downey assumes the role of Executive Director of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
CHICAGO (March 28, 2024) – National Louis University (NLU) is pleased to announce the creation of the McCormick Institute for Early Childhood. Made possible in part by a generous grant of $5 million from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, the Institute will officially launch in late fall 2024 with the mission to expand access, equity, […]
The post National Louis University to Launch Institute for Early Childhood with $5 Million McCormick Foundation Grant first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
The Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship, first awarded in 2019, is intended to support emerging and aspiring early childhood leaders dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for children and families. The scholarship, established by Paula’s family after she passed in 2018, highlights her legendary devotion to improving early childhood professional standards. We extend congratulations to […]
The post Introducing the 2024 Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship recipient first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
Paula Jorde Bloom’s legacy brought 2023 Scholarship Winner Mona Webber to Leadership Connections; Mona then brought her newfound inspiration and ideas to her child care center. Leadership Connections introduced the 2023 Paula Jorde Bloom scholarship winner to Carla Sparks and Sarah Lukas, the authors of “Be the Manatee: Affirming Advice for Your Leadership Journey.” Webber […]
The post Embracing Connections with 2023 Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Winner Mona Webber first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
With mixed emotions, the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership announced the departure of Donna Jacobson on January 31, 2023. While transitions can introduce uncertainty, they can also offer opportunities for innovation, growth, and new beginnings. We are pleased to announce that Kimberlee Burt-Hendricks, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education and Teacher Preparation in the The post Kimberlee Burt-Hendricks assumes the role of interim Executive Director of the McCormick Center first appeared on McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.
