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.
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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.
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Advocates, Parents Call on Oregon Legislature to Protect Preschool for All
A broad coalition of parents, early childhood educators, and advocates gathered at Escuela Viva in Southeast Portland to speak out in support of Preschool for All in Multnomah County, in response to a bill that would eliminate the program.
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.
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The final weeks of school are here. Countdowns are up, energy is shifting. Before the last bell rings, pause—not just to reflect, but to reimagine.
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On Tuesday, a broad coalition of parents, early childhood educators, and advocates gathered at Escuela Viva in Southeast Portland to speak out in support of Preschool for All in Multnomah County—a nationally recognized, voter-approved model for universal preschool.
The gathering was a response to Oregon lawmakers’ last-minute changes to Senate Bill 106, seeking to... Read more at the link in our bio.
As we wrap up the 2024-2025 school year, we’re celebrating a powerful year of growth, collaboration, and systems change through our Early School Success (ESS) work. 🥳
To our incredible school, district, and community partners — thank you. Your collaboration fuels this work and your leadership makes it matter.
In 2020, 64 percent of Multnomah County voters approved a tax on high-income earners to fund Preschool for All and make child care more equitable.
Now, the state is trying to block that local decision with SB 106.
Not only would this bill harm young children, parents, and caregivers who depend on this program to work and take care of their families—it also undermines local voters and bypasses public input in the final days of the legislative session.
You can take immediate action by contacting members of the Senate Finance Committee and urging them to oppose this bill. Contact them right now at the link in our bio.
#orpol #orleg
Juneteenth is a day to honor liberation, with access to educational opportunity—starting at birth—as a core tenet. Yet proposed state funding cuts reveal a troubling disconnect between symbolic celebration and meaningful action.
Right now, Oregon lawmakers are considering funding cuts that will harm communities most impacted by injustice. SB 5514 includes $45 million in cuts to Preschool Promise, the Early Childhood Equity Fund, home visiting, and parent education. Plus, drastic cuts to the Black Student Success Plan are a troubling reminder that liberation is measured by what we choose to fund and support.
What does liberation mean if we’re not investing in the future of our children?
❤️💚💛
This Juneteenth, join us in action by urging the Oregon Legislature to restore funding for Oregon children and families.
📲 Contact your legislators now at the link in our bio.
Inspired by their journey? Start your own with our Early School Success Academy!
✉️ Reach out to Shawnté Hines at shawnte@childinst.org to register. Limited spots available. ✨
🔗 Learn more on our website. Link in bio.
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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 Children’s Institute Communications.
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