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
5 Things We Heard (and Felt) at the 2025 ESS Spring Cross-Network Convening
On May 16, at our Early School Success(ESS) Spring Cross-Network convening, participants brought care, creativity, and clarity as they explored what it takes to build more equitable, student-centered systems – together. Here are five things we heard – and felt – at the convening…
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.
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Learning Lab
Learning Lab
This interactive site visit showcases effective early literacy in action, while the host school receives real-time feedb...
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June’s Children’s Awareness Month reminds us to celebrate that resilience and create safe, supportive spaces where every child can shine. Together, let’s champion kindness, connection, and opportunities that help children grow into their fullest potential. Because when we lift up our kids, we build stronger communities for all. 🌟💛
What does it take to build systems that truly center children, families, and educators?
At our Early School Success Spring Cross-Network Convening, we saw that commitment in action. Educators showed up with care, creativity, and clarity — reflecting on their work, celebrating progress, and shaping what’s next.
💡 Read the 5 things we heard (and felt) at the convening — full blog now live on our website.
🔗 Link in bio.
It’s been a big week in the world of early childhood advocacy! We kicked off the week with a powerful letter-writing party, where advocates sent messages to legislators asking them to invest in early childhood programs, so Oregon`s children have the support they need in the earliest years of life.
As the 2025 legislative session nears its end, we’re doubling down on our message to lawmakers: Choose children in state budget decisions!🧡📬
A huge thank you to our coalition partners! @theflipmuseum @futuregenerationscollaborative
#orpol #orleg #oregon #legislature #salem #earlychildhood
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. 💪✨
#summer #educators #reflect #reimagine #rest #earlylearning #intention
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.
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
