University News

WIU Welcomes New Early Learning Center and Lab Site Director

July 23, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University is excited to announce the appointment of Eduardo Pérez as the new director of the WIU-Quad Cities Spanish Bilingual Early Learning and Family Empowerment Lab Site. With over a decade of experience in early childhood and bilingual education, Perez brings new leadership to his role.

Pérez will oversee all operations, hiring efforts and the strategic direction of the Early Learning Center. In addition to his directorial responsibilities, he will continue contributing to WIU's School of Education as an adjunct professor, teaching bilingual courses.

Throughout his career, Pérez has gained childhood education and bilingual education knowledge. His leadership has inspired change, elevated the voices of students and their families and engaged young children in meaningful learning experiences. In 2023, he received the Plano Premier Award from School District Plano 88, a prestigious recognition his colleagues and parents voted for. Pérez's collaborative efforts have also earned him recognition from the WIDA Consortium and the Illinois Board of Education's KIDS initiative, which aims to ensure every Illinois child is ready for kindergarten.

Before joining WIU, Pérez taught kindergarten and pre-school age students. His passion for early childhood development and education has driven him to share his expertise at conferences throughout Illinois. He holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Illinois University and is pursuing a second master's degree in Educational Leadership from WIU.

Pérez enjoys writing, walking and taking road trips outside his professional life. He is passionate about leading educational reform, advocating for equity and researching effective teaching strategies in multicultural and multilingual environments.

"WIU is thrilled to welcome Eduardo Pérez, an amazing professional with a proven commitment to early childhood education and multilingualism, as the director of the WIU-Quad Cities Spanish Bilingual Early Learning and Family Empowerment Lab Site. His leadership and dedication will undoubtedly inspire positive change and elevate the learning experiences of our young students and their families," WIU-QC Executive Director of Outreach and Campus Operations Audrey Adamson said.

For more information on WIU's Early Learning Center, set to open in late August 2024, email Perez at ee-perez2@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing