Instagram story viewer> @eriksoninstitute> Posts
6K
followers
5150
following
Erikson is an institute of higher education in child development. Erikson works to improve the lives of children and families.
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
Download All
How do babies learn to regulate their emotions?

It starts with relationships.

When a calm, responsive caregiver meets a baby’s distress with comfort and connection, those repeated experiences help babies begin to internalize what it feels like to be soothed and supported.

Over time, those early experiences lay the groundwork for children’s ability to manage emotions and calm themselves.

In this quick mythbuster, Sarah Martinez, an Erikson expert in infant mental health, attachment, relationship-based practice and early intervention, takes on a question at the heart of her work with infants and families.

Join Sarah and Erikson faculty on October 29 for a virtual information session where you can learn more about the M.Ed. in Early Intervention and Erikson’s other master’s degree programs.

Whether you already know Early Intervention is where you want to go deeper—or you’re still deciding which path fits your work and your goals—come explore what’s possible.

Register for the October 29 virtual information session to reserve your spot (links in bio).

#EriksonInstitute #EarlyIntervention #ChildDevelopment #EarlyChildhoodEducation #InfantMentalHealth taken in Erikson Institute by @eriksoninstitute
1
3 days ago
Download
What does it look like to create career pathways that honor lived experience?

Last week in Baltimore, Erikson’s Tori Graham, MSW, Director of FAN Training and Dissemination, joined Dr. Dominique Charlot Swilley and Samaya Dudley of Georgetown University at the Start Early National Home Visiting Summit.

Together, they discussed how the FAN has strengthened Georgetown’s Community Mental Health Certificate Program — including its approach to building career pathways that recognize lived experience as an important part of professional expertise.

We’re glad to see this work contributing to broader conversations about how we prepare and support the early childhood workforce.

#EarlyChildhood #HomeVisiting #WorkforceDevelopment Three individuals stand in front of a presentation screen displaying a slide titled "The FAN" from the Fussy Baby NetworkĀ® FAN at the Erikson Institute. The slide includes a diagram detailing components such as "Empathic Inquiry," "Collaborative Exploration," and "Capacity Building." The individuals are smiling and posing for a photo. taken in Baltimore, Maryland by @eriksoninstitute
2
6 days ago
Download
Erikson is a Top 100 finalist! šŸŽ‰

We’re excited to share that Erikson Institute has been named a Top 100 finalist in the 2026 Chicago Innovation Awards @chicago_innovation, in recognition of our service-based grant programs that expand access to graduate education.

And there’s another opportunity to recognize Erikson’s work.

The People’s Choice Award is a separate award within the Chicago Innovation Awards, and Top 100 finalists are now eligible through public voting.

Want to cast your vote for Erikson?

Visit the link in our bio to vote.

Erikson is on Page 4 of the ballot. Select Erikson, then keep clicking Next through Page 9 to submit your vote.

Voting ends October 16. Be sure to share! šŸ’™

#EriksonInstitute #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ece #EarlyChildhood #msw taken in Erikson Institute by @eriksoninstitute
2
9 days ago
Download
In pursuit of an Advanced Wellness with Regards to the major Intersectional Perspective, our Association was pleased to join the Keynote Speaker Prof. Mildred Boveda in the Just Concluded International Research Summit hosted by Lagos State University of Education and Pennsylvania State University in Lagos Nigeria. by @eriksoninstitute
2
24 days ago
Download
What if SEL isn’t really about teaching children how to manage their emotions?

What if it’s also about asking whether they feel like they belong in the first place?Ā 

Social and emotional learning is often reduced to competencies, strategies, and classroom activities. But belonging, connection, justice, and love are part of the learning environment, too.Ā 

That means SEL asks the adults in the room to expand their understanding of social and emotional learning, and notice and nurture the conditions children need to thrive.

How do we create spaces where children know they matter?

How do our approaches to behavior and discipline communicate belonging—or its absence?

What happens when educators bring their own lived experiences, questions, and humanity into the work?

At Erikson, we believe SEL can be a starting point for deeper questions about relationships, identity, healing, and the systems surrounding children and educators.

So, what can SEL look like when we move beyond the checklist?

Join us on September 14 for a virtual information session about Erikson’s Social and Emotional Learning Certificate program and explore a different way of thinking about SEL.Ā 

Registration is linked in our bio! #SEL #SocialEmotionalLearning #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Educators #EarlyEducation A young child with light brown hair looking forward, stands in a room with pale blue walls. The child is wearing a blue and white striped shirt. White, blurred round objects are in the background. The image features text that reads: "The SEL we know vs. The SEL we need. It's time to think deeper." The top right corner displays the Erikson Institute logo. taken in Erikson Institute by @eriksoninstitute
0
a month ago
Download
When children splash in a puddle or climb a tree, they’re already doing something mathematicians do: using wonder to make sense of the world around them.
Ā 
Our partners at @centerforfamilymath are expanding our understanding of math learning in their article, ā€œMath Happens, Naturally.ā€
Ā 
Read the full story for simple ways to find the math that’s already happening around you. Link in bio.
Ā 
#EarlyChildhood #EarlyLearning #MathLearning #OutdoorLearning #LearningThroughPlay A child wearing a red hat is playing with green toys on the ground, surrounded by dirt and leaves. Text on the image reads, "Math doesn’t always need a worksheet. Some of the best math is already happening outside." Hashtag "#MathNaturally" is in the top right corner. taken in The Great Outdoors by @eriksoninstitute
1
a month ago
Download
What a way to kick off the school year! šŸ“šāœØ

On August 21, more than 700 families came together at Urban Prep Englewood for a Back-to-School Bash celebrating Chicago students, families, and the start of a new school year.

We were proud to be there alongside our new collaborators at WTTW/PBS and the incredible CAC crew to support a day filled with community, connection, and resources for children and families.

Here’s to a school year full of possibility, learning, and growth.

#BackToSchool #ChicagoFamilies #EarlyChildhood #CommunityPartnerships #EriksonInstitute A group of five people stand together under a canopy at an outdoor event. They are smiling at the camera. One person holds a colorful poster featuring cartoon characters like Cookie Monster and Elmo. Two individuals are wearing shirts with "Erikson Institute" printed on them. Trees and another canopy are visible in the background. taken in Urban Prep Englewood by @eriksoninstitute
1
a month ago
Download
Math is all around us. Especially in the earliest years.

Young children are already exploring patterns, quantities, shapes, space, movement, and relationships through everyday experiences.

Learning Lab Series: Math All Around Me helps teachers, caregivers, and family educators recognize those moments—and turn them into meaningful opportunities for mathematical learning.

Research-based tools. Practical strategies. Learning that lasts beyond the series.

Fall 2026 cohort runs on Wednesdays, Sept. 9–Nov. 18, 6–7:30 p.m.

Register today with the link in our bio.

#EarlyChildhoodEducation #EarlyMath #ProfessionalLearning #EarlyLearning #MathEducation The image is a promotional graphic for the "Learning Lab Series" by the Erikson Institute, titled "Math All Around Me." It features a young child with wide eyes and an inquisitive expression. The text mentions supporting children's earliest mathematical thinking. taken in Erikson Institute by @eriksoninstitute
1
2 months ago
Download
Book Lovers Day may be winding down, but there’s always time for one more book. šŸ“šāœØ

We’re highlighting five books from the Erikson community to jumpstart your week—with ideas on teacher well-being, literacy, communication, learning, rest, and belonging.

Read. Reflect. Revisit.

Swipe through for a few titles to carry with you into the week ahead.

#BookLoversDay #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ChildDevelopment #Educators #EriksonInstitute Blue graphic with white text reading ā€œIt’s Book Lovers Day.ā€ Smaller text reads, ā€œHere are 5 books from the Erikson community worth reading to inspire, inform, and explore.ā€ Erikson logo appears in the upper right. taken in Erikson Institute by @eriksoninstitute
0
2 months ago
Download
Rest is part of sustaining the work.

With the support of Erikson Institute, Jeanette Banashak, Ph.D and Amanda Moreno, Ph.D invite urban educators to a free nature-centered retreat dedicated to rest, reflection, and renewal.

Grounded in the principles explored in What Teachers Need, this immersive weekend offers an opportunity to nourish your relationship with nature, one another, and yourself.

šŸ—“ļø September 25–27
šŸ“ Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Center, Woodstock, Illinois

Lodging, meals, and all retreat activities are provided at no cost. Participants only need to arrange transportation.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more and RSVP.

#UrbanTeachers #TeacherRetreat #Educated #TeacherAppreciation #EarlyChildhoodEducator A group of young children and a person are walking outside along a path. The children are wearing colorful clothing. Trees and greenery are visible in the background. Text on the image reads, "Educators: Caring for others begins with caring for yourself." The text is provided by McGraw Hill. taken in Loyola University Chicago Retreat and Ecology Campus by @eriksoninstitute
2
2 months ago
Download
We were never meant to do life alone.

šŸ’™ ā€œLife doesn’t make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all.ā€ — Erik Erikson

Connection isn’t just meaningful—it’s foundational. Children develop through relationships, communities grow through collaboration, and every one of us is shaped by the people who show up for us.

Here’s to building a world where everyone has someone in their corner.

#EriksonInstitute #ErikErikson #EarlyChildhood #ChildDevelopment #CommunityCare The image features a quote by Erik Erikson, a psychoanalyst, against a blue background with a faint silhouette of a person's face. The text reads: "Life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all." The name "Erikson Institute" is displayed in the top right corner. taken in Chicago, Illinois by @eriksoninstitute
1
2 months ago
Download
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.

Make your gift today at the link in our bio.

#EriksonInstitute #EarlyChildhood #AnnualFund #EveryChildThrives #DoubleYourImpact A person smiling while seated in a hospital room, holding a child's toy. The text reads: "Research changes lives. When it reaches children. For nearly 60 years, Erikson has translated research into practice and policy—preparing educators and improving outcomes for children and families. Support the work. Donate to the Annual Fund today. Link in bio." taken in Erikson Institute by @eriksoninstitute
0
3 months ago
Download
×

Download all media on this page

Photos Videos
back to up