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
Register today: 2025-2026 Early School Success Academy
The Early School Success Academy returns this Fall! This professional learning experience is led by educators, for educators!
Advocates Urge Oregon Legislators to Choose Children
Early childhood advocates met with the Oregon Legislature to champion early childhood priorities, calling on the state to invest in young children.
Early School Success 2023-2024 Evaluation Report: Key Insights & Impact
Five years after its implementation, we collaborated with Education Northwest to complete an evaluation and we are excited to share what we’ve learned about how Early School Success is improving classrooms, supporting teachers, and helping students thrive.
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Learning Lab
This interactive site visit showcases effective early literacy in action, while the host school receives real-time feedb...
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The school year’s almost done — but there’s still time to finish with intention. Swipe to discover 5 meaningful ways to close your year strong. 💪✨
Early this morning, advocates gathered outside the Capitol, urging lawmakers to fund early childhood programs that support young children, families, and early educators.
Advocates organized the event just one day after the Legislature released a proposed budget for early learning—this included $45 million in cuts compared to the Current Service Level with no new investments.
We are calling on legislators to restore funding to Current Service Level as a baseline, and make targeted investments in existing programs that are ready to immediately expand to meet urgent needs.
Many thanks to our partners and advocates who keep showing up for kids (and all the drivers who honked in support)!
#orpol #orleg #Oregon #policy #Salem #advocacy #earlychildhood #preschool #healthyfamilies
Did you hear? Registrations for the 2025-2026 Early School Success Academy are now open.🎉🥳 Don’t miss your chance to join a dynamic network of educators and school leaders dedicated to shaping the future of early learning. Register today. Link in bio.
Ideas? Shared. Practices? Showcased. Energy? Reignited! 💥
Collaboration was in full bloom at last week’s ESS Spring Convening! 🌸 School teams across the network came together to reflect on their roles and shared mission, share fresh ideas, and plan next steps. The convening sparked new energy, strengthened connections, and set the stage for a strong finish to the year-and an even stronger start to the next.
Today, families from around the country gathered on Capitol Hill with their children in strollers for Strolling Thunder, a national day of action urging Congress to prioritize infants, toddlers, and their families led by @zerotothree.
Meanwhile, it`s election day in Oregon and local school board races are top of mind for many, as school boards make critical decisions that shape early learning and K-12 education in their districts. Remember to turn in your ballots by 8:00 p.m.!
In Oregon (and beyond) young children can’t wait. It’s time for elected leaders—at every level—to choose children.
#vote #electionday #oregon #washingtondc #strollingthunder #K12 #earlylearning #education
Join a giving community growing a future where every child has the love, care, and education they need!
Whether it`s $5 or $500, a monthly donation to Children`s Institute provides reliable, sustained support for young children and the people who care for them including:
👶🏽Consistent support for children’s early development
🌱Ongoing investment in educators, child care, and early learning
🏛Sustainable advocacy and systems-level work
Become a monthly donor at the link in bio or visit childinst.org/donate.
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
