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 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.
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.
Events
See what’s happening at Children’s Institute
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.
We’ve spent a lot of time with educators across Oregon this year, helping to guide school teams through the Early School Success Academy and connecting with our ESS partners multiple times for shared learnings and reflection through our cross-network meetings. We feel so much joy in being able to connect with our school and culturally specific community partners over the course of the school year. 🌈❤️
In honor of Educator Appreciation Week (and every week!), let’s recognize the many extraordinary educators who are dedicated to nurturing young minds and strengthening the foundation of education from early learning through elementary school and beyond! We are endlessly grateful for all the teachers, educators, administrators, instructional assistants, SPED teachers, and educational mentors who make a profound impact in the lives of children and youth (and us!!) every day. Your passion and perseverance create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. We see you and appreciate you! ✨🤩
#teacherappreciation #educatorappreciation
✨Attention Oregon Educators!✨
Are you passionate about early learning?
The Learning Loop is the newsletter you’ve been waiting for! Stay connected with the latest updates, success stories, and exclusive resources to support your work in the classroom or school district.
Join our growing community of educators shaping the future of early education in Oregon.
🔗 Sign up today and be in the loop! Link in bio
Thank you, advocates for showing up and choosing children at Early Childhood Advocacy Day.
Today, a dedicated community of early childhood advocates from across Oregon spoke up for Oregon’s youngest children and their families. They spoke to legislators and their staff about critical priorities: expanding access to early learning and care, supporting maternal-child health, and strengthening family supports.
These are investments that help kids thrive and build a stronger Oregon for everyone.
We are grateful for all of the legislators—new faces and existing champions—who made space to listen and center children today. We know that the Oregon Legislature is facing pressure and uncertainty, but children can`t wait. The ECC continues to call on lawmakers to choose children in their decisions through the end of the 2025 session.
Advocacy is for everyone! Want to take action? There is still time in this session to email your legislator and urge them to support early investments. If you`re not sure who your representative is, we`ve added a link in our bio to help you find them.
We know that advocacy is about action—it`s also about education!
Today, legislators learned about a program running one of two early childhood apprenticeship programs in Oregon. In January, the program started a cohort in Yamhill county and is now expanding to Salem. Early childhood apprenticeship programs are designed to provide an early childhood career pathway and encourage growth and retention in the sector.
This session, HB 3008 is one of the ECC`s priority bills that would ensure this program, and others like it, would receive funding to increase Oregon`s child care workforce by:
- Addressing staff shortages and high turnover in child care centers
- Offering comprehensive training and support for apprentices and mentor teachers
- Providing college credits and micro-credentials that open career pathways with
higher pay and career advancement
Because child care makes all other work possible!
Today, early childhood advocates from across Oregon are raising their voices for children and families, and sharing why prioritizing early childhood investments are critical for the long-term success of children, families, and communities. Advocates will meet with their representatives to lift up Early Childhood Coalition priorities in early education and child care, maternal-child health, and family support services.
Thank you @repwillychotzen!
Anyone can be an advocate for children! What would you want your representative to know about early childhood?
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
