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.
Registration is open for the 2024-2025 Early School Success Academy!
Why participate? You’ll join a network of educators across Oregon working to strengthen early learning in their school communities. You’ll also get access to rich content, expert thought partnership, coaching, resources, and a membership to our exclusive change library.
The Latest
Senate Committee Offers Fresh Take on Early Childhood Health
Children’s Institute (CI) is elated with the Oregon Legislature’s creation of a new Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health. The Committee not only aligns with CI’s support of early childhood education, it does so in an original way.
A Bold Vision for Oregon Children in 2025
Kali Thorne Ladd shares her 2025 bold vision for Oregon children, outlining key priorities for young children and their families.
We All May Look Different, We All Still Belong: Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values
In this episode of The Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto chats with producer John Nimmo and parents Gabriel and Casey—contributors to the new film Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values. The film features local families considering questions including: ”What kind of world do we want to create with our children?“.
Events
Early School Success Academy: Session 3
Early School Success Academy: Session 3
This is the third session in the 2024-2025 Early School Success Academy. School district teams will meet virtually via Z...
Learning Lab at Beaverton School District
Learning Lab at Beaverton School District
The learning lab at Beaverton School District will showcase the work of Children's Institute's Early School Success init...
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
The first day of the 2025 legislative session is Tuesday, Jan. 21! That`s next week. Don`t worry, CI will keep you up to date on all the dates and details on early childhood education and health, including the #Momnibus package!
#earlyliteracy #earlychildhoodeducation #oregon #oregonlegislature #politics #oregonlegislature2025
Have you seen the Instagram post from @portland_public_schools about how to build a #homelibrary for pre-K to third grade?
#PPS offers a really fine reel with clear instructions! Here`s what they say:
Setting up a kid-friendly reading space at home encourages early literacy skills in your little ones. From picture books to early readers, having easy access to stories that match their interests helps them fall in love with reading. 📚
We’re nurturing the next generation of readers and sparking a cultural shift toward lifelong literacy, one chapter at a time. 🌱
Learn more about how to support early literacy at the link in our bio.
#education #culturalchange #prek #earlyliteracy #homelibrary #littles
It was a great day to be in community with partners, colleagues, and legislative champions in Salem! Today, we joined @forabetteror at their 2025 legislative summit as part of a shared commitment to ensure that Oregon makes continued progress for children in education and policy. Breakout sessions dived deeper into key issues and offered a space for participants to have discussions and ask questions. Dana Hepper, director of policy and advocacy at CI, presented with @rep.hoanguyen and @standoregon’s Jessica Cobian on early literacy, preschool suspension and expulsion, and the child and adult food care program.
#orpol #orleg #salem #oregon #legislation #earlychildhood #education #advocacy #preschool #child #students
FACT Oregon has some incredible opportunities, including an #earlychildhood conference! We had to share their post!
#earlyliteracy #earlychildhoodeducation #factoregon
Just saw this post from the Oregon Montessori Association:
"Oregon Montessori Association is recruiting for our Board of Directors. If you or someone you know might be interested please visit our website at oregonmontessori.org for more information and application."
#oregon #montessori #earlyliteracy #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhoodeducator
Social Justice Visions
In the newest episode of The Early Link Podcast, we interview parents and a PSU professor emeritus about a new film, "Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values." The film features local families considering questions including: ”What kind of world do we want to create with our children?“ These families are parenting intentionally with an anti-bias lens, discussing acknowledging identity in a mixed-race family, forming deep connections, and more.
Listen now: bit.ly/CI_antibias_film
Film (free, 50 mins): www.antibiasleadersece.com
#love #familytime #earlyliteracy #nimmo
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
