Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The McCormick Center partners with professional development organizations around the country to offer facilitated cohorts of Aim4Excellence™ participants.

Cohorts blend the benefits of online learning with the power of facilitated face-to-face interactions to promote communities of practice. Communities of practice have been shown to support the integration of new knowledge, provoke critical thinking, challenge old assumptions, and develop leadership skills.

Please reach out to the Aim4Excellence™ Manager to learn more about starting a cohort.

If you do all the readings and assignments associated with each module, it should take approximately 16 hours to complete.

Please refer to the store front for additional information regarding due dates. Note that if you are a scholarship recipient or are participating as a part of a group or cohort, your funder or sponsor may elect to shorten the timeline in which you need to complete each module.

You will need to re-register and repay for that module in order to complete the module and receive your Certificate of Completion.

You can certainly register for as many modules as you like at once, but we strongly recommend that you work on only one module at a time. As soon as you complete one module you can begin the next.

If you are only registering for a couple of modules, you can certainly take the modules in any order you like. If you plan to attain the Aim4Excellence™ national director credential by completing all nine modules, however, we suggest you take them in sequence, beginning with Module 1. Please note that if you are taking the modules for college credit, you must complete them in sequence within a course.

Each module is worth 16 clock hours. After successfully completing a module you’ll receive a certificate with the clock hours indicated at the bottom.

Clock hours for those modules you successfully complete will automatically appear on the Illinois Gateways for Opportunity Registry. Allow up to 60 days from your certificate date for the module to appear on your registry.

You can request a new credential by emailing the Aim4Excellence Manager or by calling (847)947-5054. There is a $10.00 replacement fee, the credential will not be sent without the $10.00 fee paid in full.

No. Everything you need is right at your fingertips as you log on to Aim4Excellence™. There are no extra textbooks you need to purchase. Everything is included in the per module registration fee. All of the reading materials, assignments, and media you need are easily accessible from your computer screen as you log on.

The modules can be accessed on a tablet or a smartphone. However, we strongly recommend using a device with a full-size screen and keyboard for ease of use.

All of the Aim4Excellence™ modules include a variety of evidence of learning assignments such as reflections, exercises, classroom observations, and yes, quizzes.

You will need to download the evidence of learning assignments as PDFs, save them to your computer, complete them, and upload them back into the system in order to submit them for review. The modules include specific instructions on how to complete and upload the assignments.

Each module includes a variety of evidence of learning that total 100%. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion for a module, you must attain a score of 70% or higher. Most students find that they can easily achieve a “passing” score by carefully reading the articles and handouts and providing thoughtful responses to the evidence of learning.

Those taking the modules for credit through National Louis University are required only to complete the evidence of learning included inside each module. Other institutions offering credit may require additional assignments or activities. Learn more about college credit options. Your work will be graded according to the institution’s standard grading scale.

Each module has a maximum score of 100%. Participants who are not taking modules for college credit are scored pass/fail. To successfully complete the module you need to earn 70% or more on the Evidence of Learning. Once you have successfully completed the module, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for the module. Should you successfully complete all nine modules you will receive a certificate for your Aim4Excellence™ National Director Credential. Most students find that they can easily achieve a “passing” score by carefully reading the articles and handouts and providing thoughtful responses to the Evidence of Learning activities. Note that if you are a scholarship recipient or are participating as a part of a group or cohort, your funder or sponsor may require a higher passing score.

In the module, you will see a Grading and Expectations document. This document includes a list of the EOLs, along with their percentage values. We encourage you to print this document to have on hand as you work through the module. The Grading and Expectations document is a useful tool to help you determine which EOLs require the most attention. The document also includes a sample rubric to give you a sense of how EOLs are scored.

Should you fail to attain a total score of 70%, you will need to re-register and repay for that module in order to redo the module and achieve a Certificate of Completion.

Sure. It is perfectly fine to just audit a module. If you wish to audit a module, please email your request to the Aim4Excellence Manager or call (847)947-5054. This is a great way for resource and referral specialists, college instructors, and early childhood consultants to get an update on the management content covered in the specific Aim4Excellence™ modules.

Yes. The Aim4Excellence™ faculty scorers are held to the highest ethical standards. You can feel confident, to be honest in your reflections as your responses will remain confidential.

The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership has partnered with a number of institutions to offer the Aim4Excellence™ modules for college credit. Both undergraduate and graduate-level options are available. Learn more about college credit options.

Those taking the modules for credit through National Louis University are required only to complete the Evidence of Learning included inside each module. Other institutions offering credit may require additional assignments or requirements. Learn more about college credit options. Your work will be graded according to the institution’s standard grading scale.

Yes. Aim4Excellence™ was developed in response to research consistently showing that directors’ effectiveness is directly related to their own level of formal education and specialized training in leadership and management. Five content specialists (all Ph.D.s with expertise in early childhood administration) wrote the content for the nine modules based on principles of instructional practice and the unique needs of this segment of adult learners. View references and read more about research supporting Aim4Excellence™.

Outcomes and assessments for Aim4Excellence™ are aligned with both the standards for initial licensure and advanced degree programs in early childhood teacher preparation. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) collaborated to establish joint standards that are used across both organizations’ accreditation systems and across associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree level. View a matrix of NCATE/NAEYC Standards and Aim4Excellence™. Aim4Excellence™ also aligns with the Program Administration Scale (PAS). NAEYC recognizes Aim4Excellence™ as an alternative pathway for meeting part of the director qualifications for NAEYC program accreditation.

Drs. Paula Jorde Bloom and Teri Talan, authors of the PAS, were integral in the development of Aim4Excellence™. Throughout the Aim4Excellence™ modules participants learn about and apply the best practices addressed in the PAS. View a matrix of the PAS items covered in Aim4Excellence™. Additionally, during Module 9: Evaluating Program Quality participants learn about the different administrative areas covered on the PAS and practice scoring items.

We certainly appreciate the fact that there are many different learning styles. That is one of the reasons why each module includes an audio transcript section.

The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University seeks to ensure that its programs are accessible to all persons. Students in need of special assistance or an accommodation regarding any of the course requirements as outlined above, the course objectives and/or course evaluation and assessment criteria, are advised to notify the McCormick Center before beginning a module. The student and McCormick Center staff member will discuss a resolution of the issue, which may or may not include an appropriate referral (e.g., a Writing Specialist; the Academic Accommodations Coordinator at the Office of Diversity, Access and Equity; or the Office of Student Affairs). Confidentiality is maintained regarding special needs.

Step 1: Complete Coursework in Leadership and Management
Step 2: Purchase the Aim4Excellence Credential Renewal from the Store Front
Step 3: Submit the Renewal Application and Documentation of Coursework Requirements

Please allow 60 days for review and processing. Within 60 days of submitting your application, you’ll receive an email regarding your renewal status.

Participants who allow their credentials to expire will not hold a valid credential until they complete the renewal process. To avoid a lapse, you will want to submit for renewal 60 or more days before your expiration date.

In order to maintain a valid credential, Aim4Excellence™ credentialed directors must renew every five years.

Certificates documenting clock hours or CEUs may not be used to apply for renewal.

An official, sealed, unopened transcript from the college or university is required. Official electronic transcripts will be accepted if sent directly from the college or university to Aim4Excellence@nl.edu. Your transcript must demonstrate that you have completed the course with a grade of C or above.

The Aim4Excellence renewal process seeks to demonstrate that you have continued your professional development surrounding the topic of early childhood leadership and management. That said, only transcripts for coursework completed after your credential issuance date (or credential re-issuance date if you have renewed previously) will be accepted. Transcripts are required to be official, sealed, and unopened to ensure authenticity.

Click here to learn more.

You are not required to have any specific educational background or credentials to take the Getting Ready modules. Getting Ready for the PAS is designed for those working in early childhood centers (or for those working with these individuals), while Getting Ready for the BAS is designed for family child care providers (or for those working with family child care providers).

The ExceleRate™ Illinois Getting Ready module counts as the required training for the Illinois QRIS.

No. Everything you need is right at your fingertips as you log on and is included in the per module registration fee. All of the reading materials, assignments, and media you need are easily accessible from your computer screen as you log on. The Program Administration Scale (PAS) or Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS) book is not required to purchase in order to complete the module, however you may want to purchase a book as a supplement for your learning.

Additionally, you will need a printer to complete the module. You will likely want to print out the articles and resources included in the module for later reference.

You can certainly complete the Getting Ready modules on your tablet or smartphone.

You are expected to complete all of the readings and assignments associated with each module. The general Getting Ready for the PAS will require about eight hours to complete, while the ExceleRate™ Illinois Getting Ready for the PAS module will require about four hours. The general Getting Ready for the BAS will require about five hours. The ExceleRate™ Illinois Getting Ready for the BAS module requires three hours.

The module must be completed within 90 days, from the date of purchase.
Note: If you are a scholarship recipient or are participating as a part of a group or cohort, your funder or sponsor may select to shorten the timeline in which you need to complete each module.

Should you fail to complete the module by the due date, you will need to purchase the module again in order to complete it and receive your certificate of completion.

After completing all of the evidence of learning within the module, you’ll be able to print a certificate from your screen. The clock hours will be indicated at the bottom of the certificate. Clock hours awarded are as follows:

• Getting Ready for the PAS | 8 clock hours
• ExceleRate™ Illinois Getting Ready for the PAS | 4 clock hours
• Getting Ready for the BAS | 5 clock hours
• ExceleRate™ Illinois Getting Ready for the BAS | 3 clock hours

Each module includes a variety of evidence of learning assignments such as reflections, exercises, quizzes, and learning games. These activities are designed to allow you to assess and deepen your understanding of the content.

No. All of the required evidence of learning are included right inside the module and you will submit them right from your computer screen.

The Getting Ready modules are scored pass/fail. Your work on the evidence of learning will be auto-scored as you move through. In order to successfully complete the module, you need to complete all of the evidence of learning.

Yes. The McCormick Center faculty and staff are held to the highest ethical standards. You can feel confident to be honest in your reflections as your responses will remain confidential.

Yes. The system will return you to the beginning of the screen where you left off.

Yes. The McCormick Center HelpDesk is here to assist you. Additionally, you’ll see a help feature from within the modules to easily access the HelpDesk team.

The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University seeks to ensure that its programs are accessible to all persons. Students in need of special assistance or an accommodation regarding any of the course requirements as outlined above, the course objectives and/or course evaluation and assessment criteria, are advised to notify the McCormick Center before beginning a module. The student and McCormick Center staff member will discuss a resolution of the issue, which may or may not include an appropriate referral (e.g., a Writing Specialist; the Academic Accommodations Coordinator at the Office of Diversity, Access and Equity; or the Office of Student Affairs). Confidentiality will be maintained regarding a student’s special needs.