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.
Registration is open for the 2024-2025 Early School Success Academy!
Our Early School Success Academy is team-based learning experience for educators working to strengthen early learning in their communities, preschool to third grade. District or school teams participate in four virtual sessions between October and March and five coaching sessions scheduled at their convenience.
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
States Have A Role To Play in Helping Kids Access Inclusive Pre-K
States look to improve collaboration between school districts and community partners. Originally published by New America on 7/18/24.
State of Preschool 2023 Yearbook Report
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) released the State of Preschool 2023 Yearbook. This annual report tracks preschool enrollment, funding, and quality across the United States. This year’s report highlights key findings on universal preschool and emerging trends nationwide.
The Power of Inclusive Classrooms at Gilbert Creek Development Center
In this episode, host Rafael Otto visits Grants Pass, Oregon, to talk with Shannon Bilbao and Susan Peck from Gilbert Creek Child Development Center. They discuss why inclusive classrooms are so valuable for the healthy development of all children and share examples of what they see in their classrooms. Tune in and share!
Events
Early School Success Summer Leadership Camp
Early School Success Summer Leadership Camp
(Invitation-only event) The Summer Leadership Camp will bring together educators to explore change ideas and plan for th...
Learning Lab at Fern Hill Elementary School
Learning Lab at Fern Hill Elementary School
(Invitation-only event) The learning lab at Fern Hill Elementary will showcase the work of Children's Institute's Early ...
Early School Success Fall Cross-Network Convening
Early School Success Fall Cross-Network Convening
(Invitation-only event) The Fall Cross-Network meeting aims to bring together Early School Success partner districts for...
See what’s happening at Children’s Institute
This #glrweek, we’ve highlighted ways our state and other Oregon communities are prioritizing early learning and success. From a library of early literacy resources, to Learning Labs in Beaverton School District, the Yoncalla community transformed by early learning, and state policies that are making early literacy a top priority. #focusonthegaps
We’re lucky to have so many amazing folks in our Early School Success network who are just as dedicated to making Oregon the best place to be a kid as we are. And the best part is, we still have space in our 2024-2024 ESS Academy! Become part of our awesome network of educators! Link in bio and childinst.org/early-school-success-academy
Oregon is prioritizing early school success! In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed the Early Literacy Success Initiative (HB 3198). This bill directed the Department of Early Learning and Care to establish a Birth Through Five Literacy Plan and distribute grants from the Birth Through Five Early Literacy Fund.
📚✨During the 2024 short session, lawmakers allocated $9.4 million to support this initiative!
What does this mean for kids?
⭐ Enhanced Literacy Skills: Early exposure to reading and writing will set a strong foundation for lifelong learning and academic success.
⭐️ Cultural Inclusivity: By supporting culturally specific programs, all children will see themselves represented in their learning materials, fostering a sense of belonging.
⭐ Smoother Transitions to School: Kindergarten readiness programs will help children adjust more easily to kindergarten, making their first educational experiences positive and impactful.
We are excited to see Oregon make progress for young children, especially in the earliest years of life. Even with wins from past sessions, we are always working to make Oregon the best place to be a kid and will keep the momentum going in 2025. Stay tuned for more policy updates in the coming months! #glrweek #focusonthegaps
It really does take a village to raise a child, and one Oregon community is committed to supporting all of their youngest residents. Deep in the heart of Douglas County in Yoncalla, parents, teachers, and community members are committed to building an ecosystem of community and care, with early learning as a driver.
More than ten years ago, Children’s Institute and the Ford Family Foundation recognized the importance of responding to the needs of remote rural communities in Oregon. In 2013, they launched Early Works, a long-term initiative built on a partnership with the Yoncalla School District.
Since then, engaged and dedicated parents, families, and educators with a commitment to excellence in education have helped to transform an entire district, ensuring that children have access to high-quality early learning opportunities that prepare them for a brighter future. #GLRWeek2024 #focusonthegaps
Listen to the full audio story at bit.ly/3WgTzeg
🌟 Our Early School Success initiative (ESS) is all about giving young children the best start in their education.
🌟We started ESS because we believe that early childhood programs and the K-12 school system should work together to create high-quality learning experiences for kids that support their educational success and social-emotional learning.
🌟Our collaborative approach with school districts helps them transform their practices to strengthen early learning programs and support alignment from preschool through grade 3.
🌟Beaverton School District is one of our ESS partners, and has demonstrated a deep commitment to support young learners, and improve outcomes for students and the community.
🌟 This year, Vose Elementary School hosted Learning Labs to showcase the power of early learning and provide a space to nurture cross-district relationships and collaboration.
#GLRWeek2024
It’s here: #glrweek2024! Early experiences lay the foundation for all future learning, and when young children develop language skills and learn to read, they’re empowered for the rest of their lives.
Literacy is a complex topic, so we’re here to share some early literacy facts (swipe through the post!) and a collection of resources. We teamed up with the Regional Educational Laboratory NW to compile these existing, readily accessible, and evidence-based resources for parents, early learning practitioners, and policymakers.
And remember! Early literacy happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. So if you’re a parent, an auntie, or a family friend you can help the children in your life gain lifelong skills, wherever they are.
Browse our Early Literacy Resources (link in bio!) and here: childinst.org/earlyliteracyresources
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.
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