About the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership
The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership at National Louis University prepares current and aspiring leaders to guide early childhood programs with strategic vision and evidence-informed practice. The curriculum examines core content areas — child development, curriculum systems, family and community engagement, and organizational leadership — through a leadership lens, building the competencies needed to navigate today's increasingly complex early childhood landscape.
Students explore early childhood education as a diverse and interconnected system, applying ethically grounded, culturally responsive leadership practices that strengthen outcomes for children and families. The program prepares graduates to lead with adaptability and purpose across a range of roles, from program administration to systems-level advocacy.
Students admitted into this program have the opportunity to work toward the Illinois Director Credential (Level III Credential) while completing their graduate degree. Visit the Illinois Professional Development System for more details. Concurrent work in an early childhood setting is strongly encouraged for all enrolled students.
Program Highlights
The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership integrates leadership development with the knowledge, experiences, and perspectives needed to lead within an evolving early childhood field. Students explore leadership across areas such as organizational culture, financial and legal foundations, curriculum strategies and learning environments, strategic planning, advocacy, and the broader systems that shape early childhood education. Throughout the program, students also develop their own leadership identity and expand their understanding of how leadership can influence practice and the broader field.
The program offers:
Leadership-Focused Curriculum: Explore the many dimensions of early childhood education through a leadership lens and develop the knowledge and competencies to lead effectively across a variety of roles, settings, and contexts.
Flexible, Fully Online Format: Complete the program fully online through asynchronous coursework. The flexible format allows students to integrate graduate study into their schedules.
Applied Learning and Inquiry: Connect your learning directly to the early childhood field through applied learning experiences, inquiry, and action research designed to support leadership development and further define your professional interests and goals.
Illinois Director Credential Pathway: Students have the opportunity to work toward the Illinois Director Credential (Level III) upon completing their graduate degree.
Program Length: 34 semester hours
Format: Fully asynchronous, online
What You'll Learn
The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership develops leadership competencies essential for guiding early childhood programs and shaping the field.
By the end of the program, students will have developed competencies in the following areas:
- Visionary and Entrepreneurial Leadership
Demonstrate visionary and entrepreneurial leadership to drive innovation and sustainable growth across early childhood systems, including the advancement of high-quality teaching and learning. - Collaborative Organizational Dynamics and Shared Leadership
Cultivate collaborative organizational cultures that promote shared leadership, trust, and collective responsibility, including professional learning communities that strengthen educator practice and child outcomes. - Personal and Professional Identity Development
Develop and continuously refine a reflective personal and professional leadership identity grounded in ethical practice, equity, and culturally and linguistically responsive leadership. - Strategic Planning and Systems Leadership
Lead strategic planning and systems-level initiatives to improve outcomes for children, families, and the workforce, including program quality, access, and equity across early childhood systems. - Contextually Responsive and Adaptive Leadership
Apply adaptive leadership practices that respond to diverse contexts, communities, and changing conditions, including the needs of children, families, and the early childhood workforce. - Evidence-Informed Leadership
Analyze and apply multiple sources of evidence, including child, program, and workforce data, to inform leadership decisions, program improvement, and policy development. - Transformational Leadership through Inquiry and Innovation
Integrate inquiry, continuous improvement, and innovation to support transformational leadership practices, including the enhancement of teaching, learning environments, and family engagement. - Advocacy and Professional Influence
Advance advocacy efforts and exert professional influence to shape policy, practice, and systems in early childhood, promoting equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for all children and families.
Career Outlook
The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Administration and Leadership prepares students to lead in a variety of roles and areas across the early childhood field. Career opportunities may include:
- Leadership in Early Childhood Teaching Roles
- Family Child Care and Entrepreneurship
- Program Leadership, Administration, and Entrepreneurship
- Curriculum and Instructional Leadership
- Coaching, Professional Learning, and Higher Education
- Family and Community Engagement
- Consulting and Technical Assistance
The ECAL program does not lead to initial teacher licensure or a Professional Educator License (PEL). Employment and qualification requirements for the roles and opportunities listed above may vary by position, employer, and setting.
