The mission of the Foundation is to advance the integration of socially marginalized groups by complex interventions, especially in the field of education, training and employment.

The Foundation was established in February 2001 with the initial aim of promoting the integration of socially disadvantaged children in school and preschool education by the Step-By-Step pedagogic method.

One of the Foundation’s main field of operation is providing teacher trainings, complex school improvement programs in the interest of establishing the philosophy of inclusive pedagogy in the Hungarian public education system, which is the most efficient method for the social integration of children. The Step by Step method is used by now in 200 schools and kindergartens in Hungary for the successful integration of Roma children and students with special educational needs. The Foundation provides training in this area for teachers, social workers and civil servants working in the public education system.
Initially the activities focused on developing adequate educational techniques for advancing the  
methodological culture of schools and teachers for the differentiated and integrated education of students with diverse social, ethnic background and competence level. Years of experience proved that methodological trainings alone are not sufficient for the establishment of child-centered pedagogical attitudes and the introduction of alternative teaching methods reflecting the needs of the students.

The Foundation has broadened its strategy since 2005 to offer complex school development programs for the advancement of inclusive education, as well as implementing actions to enhance inclusive attitudes in mainstream society. By means of its Education for Social Justice training the Foundation helps teachers to create an open, accepting environment in their classrooms for the integration of socially disadvantaged students and children with special educational needs. The main goal of the Foundation is to promote a new pedagogic philosophy enabling students to have positive experiences in education and to create a positive attitude towards life-long learning. The Foundation contributes to a new attitude in teaching by its different methodological trainings as well, in order to improve school success of students and to reduce the school drop-out rate of disadvantaged children. Our Foundation regularly cooperates with 50 highly qualified trainers at different regions of Hungary with the aim of adapting our training portfolio and professional support services to the needs of the local communities.
The aim of the advancement of social inclusion by strengthening inclusive attitudes of target groups outside of the educational system is achieved through trainings against discrimination and prejudice for the civil society, media, social service providers, employers. Creating a more inclusive environment for the future generation can only achieved through complex interventions and the involvement of all stakeholders.

Experiences with building a democratic, tolerant, equal opportunity environment in the public education system has  strengthened the aim of the Foundation for expanding its integration activity beyond the school system. The Foundation developed  support activities for labor market integration of disadvantaged social groups to counter factors hindering employability if marginalized groups of society. Activities cover three main areas:  improving employability of unemployed belonging to disadvantaged groups, advancing the competence and sensitivity of employers with regards to employing people with  social disadvantages, and developing methodological support for mentoring services in labor market integration.
The Ec-Pec Foundation is a member of ISSA (International Step by Step Association) network operating in 30 countries. The membership offers resources and trainings, technical assistance and mentoring services, related to early childhood development programs following the Step by Step philosophy, participation in joint advocacy initiatives, professional development opportunities, and knowledge sharing events, as well as a providing an standardized quality assurance framework for the operation of the Foundation.