Pikler/Loczy Fund USA was co-founded by Laura
Briley, the owner of Day Schools, Inc. and Educarers
Foundation in 1990. The 501 C-3 entity was established
to assist orphanages in Romania. At the time,
Romanian orphanages were over-crowded with mostly
abandoned children who could not be cared for
by their families. A model preschool and infant
program was established at Orphanage # 5 and a
Kindergarten was established at LaMotesi in Bucharest,
the capitol of Romania. Its programs were used
as training models for UNICEF and Peace Corps.
In 1994, Miss Briley took a group of Romanians
from the Ministry of Health and Education to observe
the world famous orphanage in Budapest, Hungary,
The Pikler Methodological Institute (known as
Loczy). Founded in 1946, the Institute carries
out 3 functions: Educaring, Research, and Training.
Educaring: Loczy accomodates
and cares for 40 babies who are without
their families for various reasons.
Research: Regular observations
are recorded on each child. These observations
have been done for over 50 years. They help
in understanding the developmental process
of infants. These findings have been the
subject for conferences, seminars, and scientific
publications.
Training: Training has
been made possible on-site at Loczy as well
as at organized conferences.
The methodology used at Loczy is based on Respect
for individuals. Each child has a wonderful sense
of security, good self-esteem and trust of those
around them. They are empowered by the love and
care given to them. This is truly a world model
for families, orphanges, and childcare centers.
Pikler/Loczy Fund USA is assiting the Pikler Institute
in their fundraising efforts. They are also in
the process of establishing a USA
Pikler Association to ensure its continued
work. There currently is a French Association,
South American Association, Swiss Association,
and German Association as well as Hungarian. If
you would like more information please contact
lbriley@dayschoolsok.com or visit the website: www.aipl.org.
