Private graduate school specializing in child development and early childhood education in Chicago.
Erikson Institute is a private graduate school accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It offers master's degrees in child development, early childhood education, and social work, along with certificate programs and professional development opportunities. The institute serves approximately 300 postgraduate students with a faculty of 26.
Founded in 1966 by four child advocates—child psychologist Maria Piers, educator Barbara Taylor Bowman, social worker Lorraine Wallach, and philanthropist Irving B. Harris—Erikson was established to train professionals for the newly created Head Start program. Originally focused on educating early childhood teachers and caregivers, its mission has expanded to serve anyone working with or on behalf of young children. The institute is named after psychoanalyst and developmental psychologist Erik Erikson.
Erikson operates several community-focused initiatives. The Fussy Baby Network, established in 2003, provides free bilingual warmline services and in-home visits for caregivers dealing with infant crying, eating, or sleeping challenges. The institute also partners with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services through the DCFS Early Childhood Project to deliver early intervention and mental health support to young children and families in the child welfare system.