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
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
At Children’s Institute, we believe that every child deserves a strong start in school. Five years after implementing the Early School Success(ESS) initiative, we collaborated with Education Northwest to complete an evaluation and we are excited to share what we’ve learned about how ESS is improving classrooms, supporting teachers, and helping students thrive. Link in bio!
As spring unfolds around us, Earth Day (and month) is a time to reflect on the connections between children, communities, nature, and our shared environment. When we put children at the center of decisions around health, education, and the environment, we`re planting seeds for healthy and resilient communities 🌎🌱
Not to mention, nature is a constant reminder that our environment is full of invitations for children to discover, play, and learn!
What do you do to encourage play in nature with the little ones in your life? What do you see when children learn beyond four walls? Let us know in the comments!
Children’s Institute and partners presented at the OASCD Conference 🎉
Dr. Marina Merrill and Talisa Timms (CI), and Elizabeth Gandhi (Education Northwest) led a session on the Early School Success Initiative, showing how equity-focused, developmentally appropriate practices are creating more engaging experiences for young learners in 15 schools across Oregon.
Meanwhile, Danielle Boylan (St. Helens School District) and Julio Bautista (CI) led a session on Reimagining Learning, showing how loose parts are transforming classrooms from preschool to second grade—bringing creativity, play, and joy into the classroom.
We’re proud to celebrate progress, share successes, and keep the momentum going to support young children and educators across the state, and we’re grateful to be part of the OASCD community!
April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week, an annual event to build awareness, activism, and community-building and amplify the voices, perspectives, and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people.
Children`s Institute honors and celebrates the leadership and expertise of Black community-based organizations as the foundation for advancing equity and ensuring transformative, sustainable improvements in Black Maternal Health. We are honored to walk alongside community-based partners and others doing this work in Oregon, including Black Futures Initiative for Perinatal Health, Healthy Birth Initiatives, and Black Parent Initiative.
Learn more about how these organizations are driving systemic change for Black Mamas and birthing parents in Oregon at the link in bio.
Black Maternal Health Week was founded by @blackmamasmatter 💜
#blackmaternalhealthweek #BMHW25
It`s here! 🤩 Our 2024 Annual Report is live!
Last year, we made tangible progress in our goal to make Oregon the best place to be a kid! In 2024 we:
⭐️ Expanded our work in early childhood health
⭐️ Helped to secure funding for critical family support programs
⭐️ Deepened our relationships with Oregon educators
See how we did it! Check the link in our bio 📱🔗
Oregon families and educators, this is for you!
On behalf of Sarah Pope, Executive Director of Stand for Children Oregon, we invite you to a special screening of The Right to Read documentary at Hollywood Theatre this April.
Following the film, join special guest Kareem Weaver and local leaders for a thought-provoking panel discussion on the state of early literacy in Oregon—and how we can take action.
📅 Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
Let’s come together for an evening of learning, conversation, and action to support early literacy in Oregon. We hope to see you there!
RSVP 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
