Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study celebrates 85 years of early child development and education

By Jennifer Sipos-Smith

May 16, 2011
 

The Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto welcomed approximately 500 graduates, faculty, teachers, staff members, families and friends to an 85th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 14, 2011. A highlight of the event were the artefacts and photos on display that showed the Institute’s long history and international reputation for leadership in children’s development and education. A collection of children’s drawings and current research were also on display.

“Saturday night was one of the most special evenings we could ever have imagined hosting. It was wonderful to see our grads, current students and families, our staff and faculty, and friends of the Institute having such a wonderful time. Soon the 85th will become part of our storied past” said Dr. Janette Pelletier, Director of the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study.

The Institute has been a leader in setting new standards for children’s education and well-being and is dedicated to improving the lives of children through their tripartite mission – bringing together graduate teacher education, exemplary educational practices for the Laboratory School, and multidisciplinary research in child development at the Dr. R.G.N. Laidlaw Centre.

In 1925 Edward Bott, the first head of psychology at the University of Toronto established the St.George’s School for Child Study – later called the Institute of Child Study. A grant from the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Fund in 1924 supported the six institutions in North America to become child study centres: The University of Toronto was the only Canadian institution among those selected.

With the generous gifts from Dr. Eric Jackman and from the Margaret and Wallace McCain Foundation earlier this year, the Jackman ICS will expand its facilities and programs to have an even greater impact than could have ever been imagined in its earlier days.