Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC)
The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) is transforming how Delaware supports early childhood educators. By focusing on holistic support, increasing access, and removing barriers to advanced credentials, ECIC is creating meaningful change. Ahead of its launch, ECIC partnered with First Ascent to develop a brand identity that connects deeply with its mission and community. This partnership included creating a logo, designing a website, and crafting branded merchandise. Over time, our collaboration has grown to include sub-branding, helping ECIC expand its reach with unique taglines and visuals that align new initiatives with its core identity.
Scope of Work
- Branding and Identity Design
- Sub-branding System
- Website Design and Development
- Branded Merchandise
A Brand Identity That Uplifts and Inspires
At the core of ECIC’s new identity is a logo that captures its mission of growth and forward momentum—literally. The arrow design speaks to progress and growth, while the clean, modern typography keeps it approachable and professional. To complement the logo, we developed a bright and uplifting color palette that reflects ECIC’s fresh approach to education. Hand-drawn elements like playful scribbles add a personal, welcoming touch to the brand. Together, these elements create a cohesive visual identity that feels human, relatable, and uniquely ECIC.
Making ECIC’s Mission Click
For ECIC’s website, we wanted to create something that was easy to use, visually engaging, and built to meet the needs of their community. The site combines vibrant visuals with straightforward navigation, making it simple for educators, scholars, and other stakeholders to find what they’re looking for. Whether someone wants to learn more about ECIC, apply for a program, or connect with their team, the website makes it easy to take the next step.
A Thriving Hub
Designing DE RISE: A New Subbrand Joins the ECIC Family
When ECIC introduced the DE RISE Scholarship program in 2024, we had the exciting opportunity to help bring their first sub-brand to life. Our team designed a logo that seamlessly connects to the ECIC brand while giving DE RISE a distinct, recognizable presence. To capture the program’s mission, we crafted the tagline, “Ignite Success, Build Futures,” emphasizing its role in empowering scholars and creating opportunities.
From swag that fosters pride to a versatile system built for future sub-brands, we established a cohesive, scalable visual identity that will grow with ECIC’s initiatives.
A Story Worth Telling – Lives Changed
Since its inception, ECIC has empowered so many aspiring educators to build meaningful careers, equipping them with the skills and support to make a lasting difference in classrooms. To celebrate their success and transformative journeys, we partnered with Mike Pfiefer and 1440 Film Co. to create an inspiring video series. The series features interviews, testimonials, and footage from the program’s graduation event, offering a glimpse into the community and the incredible impact they’re making.
Results
ECIC’s new website is a thriving hub for the program’s educators, scholars, alums, and other community stakeholders. In the first 6 months after launching, ECIC received 300 applications for their scholarship program, and 223 scholars received their CDA credentials through the inaugural cohort of DE RISE. The ECIC has also been invited to numerous conferences to share the results of their work and passion nationally. We’re proud to be a part of the change they are making.
300+
applications for the scholarship program
223
scholars received cda credentials through DE RISE
