Learn how child development contributes to your work.
Improve the life trajectory of a child by investing in early childhood programs and services. Your engagement can lead to children’s academic achievement, improved health, economic stability, and future success.
As a highly influential decision-maker on policies that affect children and families on a local, regional, or state level, the Executive Fellows program uses an anti-racism approach to introduce you to the long-term benefits of quality early childhood experiences and the policy opportunities to improve programs and services for all children and families.
As a highly influential decision-maker on policies that affect children and families on a local, regional, or state level, the Executive Fellows program uses an anti-racism approach to introduce you to the long-term benefits of quality early childhood experiences and the policy opportunities to improve programs and services for all children and families.
Cross-disciplinary experts benefit from child development knowledge
Are you or do you know an Illinois leader? We accept nominations from a cross-sector of leaders for the Executive Fellows program, and have included legislative officials, state’s attorneys, judges, school board members, superintendents, state agency heads, faith-based leaders, and additional community leaders.
Build knowledge to inform decision-making in your field and improve programs and services for children and families.
This program happens every other summer in August and September.
Leaders participate in multi-day sessions in August and September with national experts leading seminars each day on topics such as brain development, relationship attachment theory, toxic stress and trauma, workforce shortages, racial inequities, and more. Staff provide a safe environment that fosters candid discussions as well as ensures the cohort is constructed with distinct and diverse perspectives.
Service Day
Enjoy the opportunity to volunteer at a Chicago home- or center-based early learning program for half of a day.
Assisting early childhood teachers in the classroom helps reinforce the learning objectives and expert presentations delivered over the course of the program. This experience allows insight into early workforce issues such as low wages, staffing shortages and professional development.
Executive Fellows share how the program has impacted their work in supporting children and families.
Dr. Vidhya Prakash, chief medical officer, associate dean and faculty for SIU Medicine, Dan Kotowski, president and CEO for Kids Above All, and Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino of the 2nd District provide examples of how they applied their Erikson learnings to their work.
Join the Erikson Institute community and discover the difference one person can make.