The trajectory of children's lives can be changed by providing new opportunities for them. That simple profound fact—Erikson’s guiding principle since its first days—wsa also a recurring theme at an anniversary symposium honoring Erikson's contributions to the early childhood field. Leaders in the early childhood field gathered March 23, 2007, to participate in a wide-ranging exploration of the research, programs, policies, environments, and attitudes that influence our efforts to provide a healthy childhood for all. Four noted researchers presented their recent work, followed by a response by an Erikson faculty member.

Topics and Speakers
Introduction
Samuel J. Meisels | Download speech text | stream audio
Holder of the Irving and Neison Harris President's Chair

Why Race Matters in Child Development: Economics, Context, and Culture
Vonnie C. McLoyd, Ph.D.
Stephen Baxter Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Stream audio:   Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3  | Part 4
Response
Associate Professor Aisha Ray, Ph.D. | stream audio

Making It Work: Low-wage Employment, Family Life, and Child Development
Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Ph.D.
Professor of Education, Harvard University | Download powerpoint

Standardized Childhood? The Science, Institutions, and Politics of Young Children
Bruce Fuller, Ph.D.
Professor of Education and Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley 
Download powerpoint  | Stream audio:  Part 1  |  Part 2
Response
Professor Robert Halpern, Ph.D. | stream audio

Educating Our Youngest: Past, Present, and Future
Barbara T. Bowman, M.A.
Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Development and cofounder, Erikson Institute;
Chief Early Childhood Education Officer, Chicago Public Schools
Stream audio:
Part 1:  Past – History of early childhood and Erikson Institute
Part 2: Present – The Erikson approach
Part 3: Future – Challenges for the field