Children’s Institute shapes early childhood policy, secures public investments for early childhood programs and services, and works with school communities to strengthen early learning for children and teaching practices for educators.
Our Work
At Children’s Institute, we work to improve the lives of children from prenatal to grade 5 who experience institutional or systemic barriers to opportunity in Oregon: children from low-income families, children of color, disabled children, dual language learners, and children in rural areas.
Our research, policy and advocacy, learning initiatives, and community partnerships all aim to keep kids healthy and safe and prepare them to be active, engaged learners.
The Latest
Early Childhood is Making Headlines! | CI News Roundup
Children’s Institute, early childhood advocates, and our partners are making headlines! Read the latest about Children’s Institute in the news.
Lessons from ESS: Student Voice Shapes Stronger Classrooms
Educators participating in Early School Success, gathered for a learning lab hosted by Children’s Institute. The learning lab focused on centering student voice in the classroom.
Children’s Wellness – Oregon Values and Beliefs Center
Is Oregon the best place to be a kid? If not, how can we improve childhood and parenting experiences in the state?
Events
The Right to Read Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
The Right to Read Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion
Join Stand for Children Oregon, in partnership with Children's Institute, Decoding Dyslexia, Portland Public Schools, an...
Early School Success Spring Cross-Network Convening
Early School Success Spring Cross-Network Convening
(Invitation-only event) The Spring Cross-Network convening aims to bring together Early School Success partner districts...
See what’s happening at Children’s Institute
Oregon families and educators, this is for you!
On behalf of Sarah Pope, Executive Director of Stand for Children Oregon, we invite you to a special screening of The Right to Read documentary at Hollywood Theatre this April.
Following the film, join special guest Kareem Weaver and local leaders for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the state of early literacy in Oregon—and how we can take action.
📅 Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
Let’s come together for an evening of learning, conversation, and action to support early literacy in Oregon. We hope to see you there!
RSVP link in bio!
The momentum for early learning and care, and child well-being in Oregon is growing and Children’s Institute’s work is at the center of these conversations. From advocating for more health supports for parents during and after pregnancy, to expanding investments in family support services, our work is making headlines!
Don’t miss the latest media coverage, featuring Children’s Institute and our partners. Link in bio!
March is Women’s History Month! Women have long been at the heart of early learning and care. Their work has shaped policies, strengthened communities, and ensured families have the support they need.
Women in early childhood have paved the way for progress for young children, including early childhood leaders like Joyce Harris. Harris is a Portland-based educator, Black activist, writer, and mentor (among other things!) who cofounded the Black Education Center in 1970. She has dedicated her life and work to improve the lives of children, youth, and communities in Oregon who have been denied access to equitable and high-quality educational experiences and outcomes. She continues to work on behalf of children and families in Oregon.
At Children’s Institute, we celebrate women who have and continue to shape the future for children and families every day! ✨
#womenshistorymonth
Today, Oregon lawmakers will hear testimony on the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) budget bill (HB 5514). Many of the Early Childhood Coalition’s top priorities are included in this budget:
- Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
- Child Care Workforce
- Birth to Five Literacy Fund
- Relief Nurseries
- Healthy Families Oregon
Today`s hearing is a critical step for these programs and continued advocacy is needed to ensure these investments make it across the finish line. Stay tuned for updates as we track the progress of these essential early learning investments!
#orpol #orleg #earlychildhood #childcare #daycare #birthtofive #literacy
“Women hold up half the sky”... and 95% of the early childhood workforce‼️
This Women’s History Month, we want to highlight some facts about the women and femme who shape the minds of the next generation. They are highly skilled, experienced educators — who also happen to be vastly underpaid and overworked. Caregiving and educational roles have been under-compensated for a long time, and the wage gap impacts women of color to an even greater extent. It’s time for this to change. In our work at Children’s Institute and with the Early Childhood Coalition, we are working to support not only children throughout Oregon but the amazing educators and caregivers who make their thriving possible. They deserve the very best.💯
Here’s to celebrating and fighting for equality for all the amazing women we call family, coworkers, teachers, change-makers, and inspirations to the world. We stand with you this month and all the rest of ‘em.💖
#womenshistorymonth2025
Access to nutritious food is essential for early child development! That`s why child care providers, families, and advocates are calling on the Oregon Legislature to choose children by supporting the Child and Adult Care Food Program (HB 3201).
Today, Children`s Institute, early childhood partner @adelantemujeres and our friends at @hunger_free_or testified at a hearing in support of HB 3201, which would ensure that children in child care receive nutritious food, support child care providers, and help communities thrive.
Learn more at the link in bio!
#orpol #orleg #foodaccess #childcare
Tune in to The Early Link Podcast
The Early Link Podcast highlights national, regional, and local voices working in early childhood education and the nonprofit sector. The podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Rafael Otto, Children’s Institute’s director of communications.Subscribe
