We also know that Illinois — like many states across the country — continues to struggle with a shortage of highly-qualified early childhood teachers and leaders, disproportionately impacting children and communities of color. To help address this ongoing challenge, and advance the field, NLU intends to launch the Institute for Early Childhood at National Louis University . The Institute will leverage our intellectual capital and assets across NLU’s Undergraduate College, National College of Education and the McCormick Center, with three areas of focus: early childhood leadership; early childhood workforce development; and applied research and policy engagement. This will enable NLU to ensure that Illinois has early childhood teachers and leaders with the skills, knowledge and resources to deliver high-quality programs, while also building and leveraging a robust research portfolio to inform public and administrative policies that benefit young children and their families, particularly those who are from historically marginalized communities.
“ The human brain develops more in the first few years of life than at any other time. I am so proud of our work at NLU to elevate early childhood education (ECE) because we know that high-quality early childhood experiences lead to a lifetime of success and well-being. Preparing the best ECE teachers and leaders is my life’s work and I am thrilled that I get to do it at an institution like NLU that places such a high value on access and equity. “ —LISA DOWNEY, ED.D. Associate Dean, Undergraduate Educator Preparation
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