Our Influence
Driving Change In Early Childhood
Remarkable Success for Nearly 60 Years
With an exclusive focus on educating, serving, and leading in the early childhood field, our work to build a future where every child thrives is fueled by our:
- Innovative programs
- Transformative research
- Impactful advocacy
Above all, we remain true to our founding mission and to the conviction that all children deserve equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Academic Programs
We are a leading institution of higher education that prepares professionals to address the urgent challenges facing young children. On our downtown Chicago campus and through online learning, we uniquely prepare adults to become informed leaders and practitioners. We offer a range of advanced degrees and certificate programs in child development, early childhood education and social work.
Direct Services to the Community
Our students, faculty, and staff provide a wide range of direct services to children and families in Illinois. Thousands of families have been served by our Fussy Baby Network, Infant Toddler Inclusion Project, and Early Childhood Project, a partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Committed to Serving the Community
Early Childhood Project
Our Early Childhood Project with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) annually provides clinical assessments, early intervention, and mental health services to thousands of children who become involved in the state child welfare system because of abuse and neglect.
Fussy Baby Network
Erikson Institute’s Fussy Baby Network helps families struggling with their infants’ crying, sleeping, or feeding through our free warm line. These free phone consultations are available in English and Spanish.
Infant/Toddler Inclusion Project
Erikson staff provide consultation to Early Childhood Education Centers across the Chicago area to support their developmental screening process and ensure young children get referred to necessary developmental evaluation and services.
Applied Research
Current projects are changing the way early childhood professionals approach complex problems. Our groundbreaking research includes studies that are the first of their kind in the field on topics including:
- Home-based child care
- Racial Justice in Early Math
- Home visiting
- Mindfulness interventions in the classroom
Policy and Leadership
Our Policy and Leadership team works collaboratively with communities and their leaders to inform policy and systems change that ensures all children receive equal opportunities to achieve their full potential. We do this through these initiatives:
- Early Childhood Leadership Academy
- Customized trainings and workshops
- Partnerships with advocates and advocacy organizations
1,800 DAYS a new podcast from Erikson Institute and PRX
Hosted by WBEZ reporter and renowned author Natalie Moore, 1,800 Days explores early childhood care and education from its conception, to its current state, to experts’ predictions of its future. The first 1,800 days of every child’s life — the time from birth to kindergarten – is the most intense period of development in their lifetime. This is the story of early childhood in the U.S.
Change the World for Children
Join the Erikson Institute community and discover the difference one person can make.