Erikson Institute

Erikson Institute Erikson Institute was one of the first organizations in the country to recognize the importance of a child’s early years.
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Erikson is a leading institution of higher education that prepares professionals to address the urgent challenges facing young children, their families and communities. For more than 50 years, we’ve focused exclusively on early childhood – educating, serving and leading with a far-ranging impact to improve the lives of young children, families, and communities. We are the nation’s premier independ

ent institution of higher education committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to reach their potential. On our downtown Chicago campus and through distance learning, we uniquely prepare adults to become informed leaders and practitioners through a range of contemporary graduate programs in child development, social work, and early childhood education. Along with our groundbreaking educational programs offered here and internationally, our expert faculty and professional leaders embrace Erikson’s pioneering spirit through innovative programs and partnerships. We create and share new knowledge, partner with schools and communities, provide services to children and families, and advocate to make a positive and lasting difference. Because nothing matters more than a child’s early years.

What's next for you in early childhood?Maybe you've been thinking about earning your master's degree. Maybe you know you...
09/03/2026

What's next for you in early childhood?

Maybe you've been thinking about earning your master's degree. Maybe you know you want to grow in your work, but you're not quite sure what that next step should look like. Or maybe you just have questions.

Come talk with us.

Join Erikson Institute for a virtual information session on September 10th to learn more about our master's programs, meet members of our community, and get your questions answered.

You don't have to have it all figured out before you start exploring what's possible.

🔹Talk to faculty in dedicated breakout rooms

🔹Compare programs and find the path that fits your goals

🔹Get answers about admissions requirements and the application process

🔹Learn about financial aid and what it takes to take the next step.

This is your chance to leave with something more valuable than information: clarity about where you're going next.

Reserve your spot on our website and mark your calendar

September 10th, 6pm-7pm CT.

https://bit.ly/3SsIvgh

Celebrating community, connection, and a new school year. 📚On August 21, more than 700 families came together at Urban P...
09/02/2026

Celebrating community, connection, and a new school year. 📚

On August 21, more than 700 families came together at Urban Prep Englewood for a Back-to-School Bash celebrating Chicago students and families as they prepared for the year ahead.

We were proud to join our new collaborators at WTTW/PBS and the incredible CAC crew for a day centered on community, connection, and supporting children and families.

We’re grateful to be part of partnerships that bring people together and create opportunities for children and families to thrive.

Here’s to a new school year filled with possibility, learning, and growth.

Math is all around us, even in our earliest years.Young children are building mathematical understanding every day as th...
08/12/2026

Math is all around us, even in our earliest years.

Young children are building mathematical understanding every day as they play, explore, move, notice patterns, compare, and make sense of the world around them.

The Learning Lab Series: Math All Around Me is created for teachers, caregivers, and family educators who are passionate about supporting children's earliest learning.

Through this virtual series, participants will gain research-based tools and practical strategies to enrich their teaching and support children's mathematical thinking long after the series ends.

Fall registrations are open. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/4zuehKq

As Book Lovers Day winds down, we're highlighting five books from the Erikson community to jumpstart your week.From teac...
08/10/2026

As Book Lovers Day winds down, we're highlighting five books from the Erikson community to jumpstart your week.

From teacher well-being and literacy to communication, learning, rest, and belonging, these books invite us to think more deeply about the work of supporting children, families, and educators.

Swipe through for a few titles to add to your reading list.

Teaching is demanding work. Creating space to rest is essential.With the support of Erikson Institute, join Jeanette Ban...
08/04/2026

Teaching is demanding work. Creating space to rest is essential.

With the support of Erikson Institute, join Jeanette Banashak, Ph.D. and Amanda Moreno, Ph.D. for a free nature-centered retreat created for urban educators to rest and restore while nourishing a relationship to nature, one another, and yourself.

Inspired by the ideas explored in What Teachers Need: How the Education Community Can Promote Sustainable Well-Being and Help Heal the Profession, this weekend offers time for reflection, connection, and renewal.

Details:

📆 September 25–27
📍Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Center, Woodstock, IL

Lodging, meals, and all retreat activities are provided at no cost. Participants only need to arrange transportation. Complete the RSVP form to reserve your place: https://bit.ly/3TwisVy

Life is built on connection.As Erik Erikson reminds us:"Life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need eac...
07/30/2026

Life is built on connection.

As Erik Erikson reminds us:

"Life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all."

At Erikson Institute, we believe children thrive when they're surrounded by caring adults, supportive communities, and strong relationships. The same is true for all of us.

Every act of care, every mentor, every teacher, every family member, and every community partner plays a role in helping children, and each other, grow.

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We know more than ever about how young children learn, develop, and flou...
07/24/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

We know more than ever about how young children learn, develop, and flourish. But research only changes lives when it reaches classrooms, communities, and the people shaping children’s futures.

For nearly 60 years, Erikson has helped turn evidence into action—preparing educators, advancing research, and informing policies that improve outcomes for children and families.

Your gift helps make that work possible.

Join us in building a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Donate today: erikson.edu/give

Thinking about graduate school?There’s still time to join today’s free virtual information session and explore Erikson’s...
07/14/2026

Thinking about graduate school?

There’s still time to join today’s free virtual information session and explore Erikson’s master’s degree programs.

We’d love to answer your questions and help you discover what’s possible.

Register here: https://apply.erikson.edu/register/MastersProgramsJuly

Do it for the people you love. Or do it for yourself. Whatever your reason, your goals are worth pursuing. Learn about E...
07/12/2026

Do it for the people you love.

Or do it for yourself.

Whatever your reason, your goals are worth pursuing.

Learn about Erikson’s graduate programs and Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate during our free virtual info sessions on July 13 & 14.

Register here: https://www.erikson.edu/events/

Address

451 N LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL
60611

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+13127552250

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