About Erikson Institute |
|
Erikson Institute is a graduate school in early childhood development. We offer master's degrees, a doctoral program, certificate programs, and professional development courses. Through its academic programs, applied research, and community engagement, Erikson prepares practitioners, researchers, and decision makers to improve life for children and their families. Erikson Institute was founded in 1966 to provide early childhood teacher training to childcare professionals serving in the newly launched Head Start program. The Institute is named for-and profoundly influenced by-Erik Erikson (1902- 1994), the psychoanalyst who first advanced the idea that children are not simply biological organisms or psychological beings but also products of society's expectations, prejudices, and prohibitions. At the Institute, a respect for differing cultures and family contexts and reflective practice that considers how our own beliefs and actions influence the children we work with are embedded in all we do. Over the past 20 years, Erikson Institute has developed a unique focus on infant studies and infant mental health, offering post baccalaureate certificate programs in both areas. We believe in integrating theory and practice; the Fussy Baby Network is an example of how we put knowledge to work in the service of children. |