Recent Studies

A Long-Awaited Conversation: Dialog to Bridge the High Tech/High Touch Gap in Early Childhood Workforce Preparation and Professional Development (November 2004)

This report summarizes a two-day forum hosted by the McCormick Tribune Center for Early Childhood Leadership in Chicago during Leadership Connections 2004. Sponsored by the Child Care Bureau, meeting participants included representatives of college faculties, professional development organizations, media companies, and federal and state governments, discussed the use of technology as a tool for teaching and learning among early childhood practitioners. Read more »

Zoom: The Impact of Early Childhood Leadership Training on Role Perceptions, Job Performance, and Career Decisions (May 2003)

This study looked at the role perceptions, job performance, and career decisions of individuals who had participated in two leadership training programs between 1993-2003: The McCormick Leadership Training Program and Taking Charge of Change. The research revealed the many ways that participating in leadership training enhanced participants’ personal and professional growth. Read more »

Who's Caring for the Kids? The Status of the Early Childhood Workforce in Illinois (June 2001)

Regardless of program type, philosophy, or setting, the single most important factor impacting the child's experience is the quality of adult-child interactions. This study paints the big picture of the career development system of early care and education in Illinois. The findings underscore the disturbing conclusion that the early childhood career development system in Illinois lacks coordination and integration between and among its many parts. Read more »