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
Dr. Stephanie Curenton Discusses Preschool for All Evaluation with a Racial Equity Framework
This episode of The Early Link Podcast features Dr. Stephanie Curenton discussing Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program, equity, and early childhood development.
CI Wrapped: Our Top Moments of 2024
Join us to reflect and another year of meaningful progress, partnerships, and impact for Oregon’s young children and families in 2024.
Oregon Must Choose Early Childhood Investments for a Better Future
Governor Kotek’s 2025-27 Recommended Budget lacks early childhood investments. We urge the Governor to invest in young children and their families in three key areas: Employment Related Day Care, maternal health, and home visiting.
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
We know that lasting change for Oregon’s youngest children happens through strong partnerships—with schools, community-based organizations, Early Childhood Coalition partners, and supporters like YOU.
Through our partnerships, we’ve been able to expand access to quality early learning, support educators, and advocate for policies that prioritize children and their families.
As we close out this year, your donation can help us continue the vital work that we do with our partners in 2025 and beyond.
Donate today! childinst.org/donate (link in bio)
WATCH: The Power of Partnership & Community, a short video highlighting the impact of our partnerships, and what we can achieve when we work in community (link in bio).
#partnership #partners #choosechildrenchangetheworld #oregon #children #community #earlylearning #earlychildhood #rural
Every child has the right to access nutritious meals at school so they can feel their best while learning. Our friends at @hunger_free_or is working to make sure that no child goes hungry at school!
Tell your legislators to support School Meals for All at https://bit.ly/SchoolMealsOR
It only takes a few minutes and your message can make a real different in securing funding for this essential program. Help build a future where no student goes hungry at school.
From September 27th – October 15th, 2024, the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center (OVBC) conducted a statewide survey of Oregonians’ values and beliefs on the topics of financial well-being and children’s wellness in Oregon. The research was conducted to assist the Children’s Institute in its mission to make Oregon the best place to be a kid.
Amaury Vogel, Executive Director at OVBC shares, “A slight majority of Oregonians believe our state is ‘the best place to be a kid,’ but an even larger 77% agree we should invest public funds to make that vision a reality. Younger respondents, aged 18-29, are more likely to question whether Oregon truly is the ‘best place to be a kid,’ reflecting generational differences in perceptions of child welfare.”
Explore the survey findings in detail at
🔗 oregonvbc.org/childrens-wellness/
We know that early childhood investments have broad public support. And as we gear up for the 2025 legislative session, we`re urging Governor Kotek and Oregon legislators to make young children and families a priority across public policy areas.
We can send a powerful message to Oregon lawmakers with a collective commitment to children.
Join us! Make a pledge to support young children today and help us reach 5,000 signatures.
Tell Oregon to invest in kids (link in bio) ➡️ bit.ly/Pledge4Kids
#orpol #orleg #families #earlychildhood #earlylearning #earlycare #childcare #communities #oregon #portland #rural
As 2024 comes to a close, we`re thinking about our wins for the year and all who made them possible. And thanks to our champions, partners, and generous supporters, we were able to accomplish some big things for young children. We`ve made strides but there`s more to do in 2025!
🫶🏿 Before the end of the year, please consider making a donation to Children`s Institute (there`s also an option to renew monthly).
👨🏼👧🏼👦🏼 Each donation we receive helps us create lasting solutions for children, caregivers, families and early learning and care providers across Oregon. Every contribution matters!
🌎Together, when we choose children, we can change the world. Join us!
Donate at childinst.org/donate or find the link to donate in our bio.
And we`ll keep saying it! 🗣
The newly released State Budget has some notable investments in young children, but we know that there are MORE opportunities to prioritize children and families!
We`re calling on @govtinakotek and the Oregon Legislature to take it even further with THREE TARGETED INVESTMENTS for young children that strengthen both our early childhood and economic ecosystems across the state:
1. $500 million for Employment Related Daycare to reach unconnected and waitlisted families.
2. Momnibus Package to help stabilize families during pregnancy and the first year of a child`s life.
3. $26 million investment in Home Visiting to strengthen healthy child development and break intergenerational cycles of trauma.
Read more about our recommendations (link in bio!)
#investinchildren #community #oregon #orpol #orleg #portland #rural #children #meme
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
