Barbara J. O’Laughlin 

Barbara J. O’Laughlin, Center for Literacy Associate Director, joined the Center in 2001 to establish and manage the Chicago Center for Early Education (CCEE), a resource center established in partnership with the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services and Malcolm X College.  This center serves more than 8,000 patrons a year providing resources and materials to early childhood professionals, pre-service teachers, and parents of young children. 

O’Laughlin is also Executive Editor of Parental News: Stepping Into the Future, a newsletter filled with early childhood information, parent tips, and family resources available throughout Chicago that is distributed to all Head Start and Child Care parents in Chicago

O’Laughlin has a Bachelor of Science in Child Development, Early Childhood Education from Northern Illinois University and her Master of Education from Erikson Institute, Loyola University.  She has over 20 years of experience in teaching and administering early childhood programs including six years as an adjunct faculty member for Oakton Community College.  .  In 2008, she received the UIC Award of Merit in recognition of her outstanding service, commitment, and dedication as an academic professional at the University.