About Erikson Institute
Empower Early Childhood Professionals.
Improve Children’s Lives.
Building Better Futures for All Children
We’re on a mission to educate, inspire, and promote leadership that supports children and their families in reaching their fullest potential.
Erikson Institute connects the adults in children’s lives to the latest scientific research and data on childhood development and learning.
By promoting collaborative, innovative thinking, we create lasting change that empowers professionals, families, and communities to build better futures for all children.
Knowledge in the Service of Children
All children deserve equitable access to education and a community that supports their health and emotional well-being.
Erikson Institute educates, inspires, and promotes leadership to serve the needs of children and families. By offering education, family services, research, and leadership, we strive to help all children achieve optimal educational, social, emotional, and physical well-being.
How We Impact Change
By guiding families and the professionals who work with them in understanding the significance of early childhood development and education, we make a long-term lasting impact on children’s lives.
For Children
Advocate for public policies proven to positively impact children’s lives that span social, health, and education sectors.
For Families
Provide responsive and data-based resources and support to families that affect the growth and development of children.
For Advocates
Promote research-based education and professional development of adults who advocate for children and lead through change.
Erikson in the News
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Programs for Advocates & Families
Learn more about our coordinated effort to impact change for children and families by exploring our comprehensive programming.
Academic Programs
Explore education programs for educators, social workers, and childhood advocates, including our master’s degrees, licensure programs, and innovative professional development opportunities.
Family Services
Find services that help families with young children. Infant and early childhood specialists provide resources and support to promote a safe and healthy childhood.
Research, Policy & Leadership
Discover the latest scientific research and analysis around early childhood development, and explore ways to impact change through leadership and policy.
Help Us Improve Children’s Lives
Gift children the power of tomorrow.
Your financial support translates directly into innovative programs that empower early childhood advocates to shape a world conducive to the growth and development of young children.
Learn more about how to become a philanthropic partner with Erikson and review our financial reports, supporters, and donor-centered initiatives.
A Message from Our President
Stay Informed with the Latest News from Erikson
Advocating on behalf of children means staying up-to-date with the latest news, research, and policies.
Our History
Over 55 Years Of Early Childhood Leadership
Founded in 1966, Erikson Institute remains at the forefront of shaping policy and education around early childhood development and education.
Recognizing the need for those who work with children to understand children’s complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs, Erikson’s founders laid the groundwork to impact lasting change, a mission we work towards every day.
Commitment To Early Childhood Advocacy
Family is at the heart of what we do, and that is why the Erikson family prides itself on a shared commitment to our values.
Freedom of Inquiry & Expression
We encourage open and vigorous discussion and strive to maintain an environment in which the free exchange of ideas and opinions flourish.
Relationship-Based Education
We recognize the centrality of all relationships in learning, advocating for and developing an approach to education that supports these connections.
Commitment To Social Justice
We seek to contribute to a significant improvement in the quality, effectiveness, and equity of education and services for all children and families.
Diversity
We address the interests and needs of an increasingly diverse society and prepare professionals to work with populations that vary immensely.
Complexity
We strive to understand and value the interplay of various biological, psychological, cultural, historical, and social factors that influence each child.
Excellence
We empower education program alumni to lead and advocate with academic programs they report are exacting and more than worth the effort.
Connect With a Comprehensive Networking Hub
Find a career. Find a candidate. Together, we can help early childhood experts — educators, social workers, researchers, and advocates — find worth work and build better connections.
Join a team of passionate individuals dedicated to creating lasting positive change for children.
Submit a job posting to our exclusive Erikson alumni and student job board on Handshake.
Review the Erikson Institute Career Services digital resume book to locate strong job candidates.
Bring early childhood expertise into your organization and support the professional growth of students.
Get Involved. Support Erikson.
Help us continue to improve the lives of children around the world.