Jaclyn Vasquez is the Associate Director of the Early Development Instrument (EDI) at Erikson Institute. During her time at Erikson she launched the EDI project in partnership with UCLA to provide the EDI neighborhood level data to communities throughout Illinois. In the following year of the program, Erikson acquired the second license in the United States under the copyright of McMaster University for implementing the EDI. Under Jaclyn’s leadership, her team launched an interactive website and an app for communities to have greater access to resources and data. Jaclyn serves as a coach for the Early Childhood Leadership Academy at Erikson Institute, effectively supporting Illinois leaders in deepening their knowledge around early childhood policy development using a racial equity lens. Jaclyn also lends her expertise to Christopher House’s Education Council in Chicago and policy tables across the state of Illinois.
Prior to her work at Erikson, Jaclyn expanded the scope of the Child Parent Center model as the manager of the program for Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Additionally, she launched the Social Impact Bonds pilot for the city of Chicago and co-created a transitions model during her time with CPS. The transitions model engaged both private and public stakeholders, including students, families, educators, administration and community partners, to support efforts, Pre-k through 1st, in aligned practices and year-round strategies and activities.
As an early childhood educator for 15 years, Jaclyn launched a Head Start Preschool in the community of Brighton Park on the southwest side of Chicago. Jaclyn also developed and opened a summer nature and sports camp for children ages 8-14 in Streator, Illinois.
Jaclyn earned a Master’s of Science degree from Northern Illinois University in Literacy Education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Special education, in addition to dual endorsements in ESL and Bilingual, Spanish, from Northern Illinois University. Jaclyn is currently completing her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction.
