Erikson Institute

👂🏽8‑Minute Listen: Rooted in community, this story highlights how Erikson's community‑based social work strengthens trust, learning, and care in Chicago’s southwest neighborhoods. Voices from Erikson professor Dr. Francisco Lozornio, Edwin Martinez of Centro Sanar, and Erikson graduate student Michelle Ramirez show how social work grows stronger through community.

Tune in: https://bit.ly/3RxQHee

Rooted in Community Part 3: The Magic of Community-Based Social Work | Erikson Institute Rooted in Community Part 3 explores how community-based social work strengthens trust, learning, and care for children and families.

Counting is more than reciting numbers. It is about helping children understand how many, and that number names and words represent quantities. Counting is a part of everyday life and contains underlying complexities adults often take for granted. Check out Erikson Institute’s Early Math Collaborative’s resources for the Big Idea of Counting. Visit: https://bit.ly/4tGRMxt

May 19-Virtual Webinar: Explore a teacher licensure program offering triple endorsements in , /ESL, and w/ small cohorts and post-graduate professional learning support. Register here: https://bit.ly/4sH1PCh

Wanting a different role does not mean wanting to leave early childhood. For teachers and child care providers exploring what’s next, early intervention offers a way to continue meaningful work with children and families in a different context. Learn more about early childhood roles beyond the classroom in our new blog:

Thinking About a Career Change? Early Childhood Jobs Beyond the Classroom | Erikson Institute Teachers and childcare providers exploring a career change can discover early childhood jobs beyond the classroom, including early intervention roles working with children and families.

At this week's Illinois Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant Symposium, we were reminded of the impact Erikson graduates are making across the field.

Among the nearly 170 consultants and leaders in attendance, at least 25 were graduates of Erikson’s Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate and Infancy master’s programs — alongside several of our adjunct faculty. A powerful reflection of how Erikson’s community continues to support young children and families across Illinois. 💛

Register for Erikson’s Summer Learning Institute June Sessions. Choose one session focused on early math and families, narrative power and justice, or trauma responsive, relationship based practice for all. Register here: https://bit.ly/3QzQl6n.

Webinar Alert🚨: In partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Erikson Institute's FAN experts help strengthen attuned communication and reflective practice to better support children, families, and the professionals who serve them.

Register: https://bit.ly/4d6MaaV

Erikson's Summer Learning Institute is back — because educators like you deserve professional learning that respects your expertise.

This year's offerings are fully virtual and united by one theme: Supporting Children and Their Families: A Relationship-Based Approach. Topics include early math, trauma-responsive practice, caregiver relationships, and more.

Check out the details and register here: https://bit.ly/3QzQl6n

Erikson Institute was pleased to be a sponsor for the Far South Community Action Council (CAC) Rise Together Summit on April 25, 2026. Our Strategic Growth & Partnership team had a full day of collaborating with families and community stakeholders deeply invested in providing resources, support, and actionable goal setting to further initiatives that will impact the .

"Compassionate care, to me, represents intentional awareness and a deep commitment to honoring the humanity of every child and family I encounter.”

Words from 2024 Erikson Child Life alum Lindsey Lightfoot, who was honored with the Compassionate Caregiver of the Year Award by The Schwartz Center. Lindsey credits her Erikson preparation with shaping the compassion, cultural humility, and trauma‑informed approach she brings to children and families every day. A powerful reminder of the impact Erikson‑prepared professionals make in moments that matter most.