Health and Development Brain Development Educators and Workforce

Setting the Record Straight on Social-Emotional Learning: An Introduction

By CI Guest | Nov 21, 2022

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has been in the news a lot lately, and this recent surge of news about SEL has come with a good deal of misinformation. In this blog series, we’ll attempt to set the record straight on SEL by exploring the benefits and importance of SEL for young children, highlighting its recent politicization, and understanding what polling tells us about the best way to communicate with parents about the topic.

Parents and Families Health and Development Podcast

Summer Camps Foster Kids’ Social Development and Peer Connection

By Rafael Otto | Aug 29, 2022

On our latest episode, host Rafael Otto speaks with Dr. Christian Molstrom about the opportunities that summer camps provide for kids, and some of the challenges they may encounter before they attend.

Preschool Parents and Families Podcast

Lacey Hays on the Power of Parent Voice & Advocacy

By Rafael Otto | Jun 29, 2022

On this episode of the Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto speaks with Lacey Hays, a parent and advocate in Washington County here in Oregon. She’s currently co-chair for the Early Learning Washington County Steering Committee and a member of both the Preschool for All Technical Advisory Committee and the Organizing and Outreach Committee. All of that work is in support of establishing Preschool for All in Washington County.

Child Care Oregon Policy Podcast Policy Trends

Prioritizing Early Childhood in Oregon: A Discussion with State Rep. Karin Power & Rep. Jack Zika

By Rafael Otto | Jun 22, 2022

In this episode, host Rafael Otto speaks with Oregon state representatives Karin Power (D), representing Milwaukie, Sellwood, and Southeast Portland, and Jack Zika (R), representing Redmond. Power and Zika serve as the chair and vice-chair of the House Committee on...

Parents and Families Podcast Equity

Portland’s Mxm Bloc is Eliminating Barriers for Black Moms & Their Children

By Rafael Otto | Jun 21, 2022

In this segment of The Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto speaks with Rashelle Chase-Miller, who is an activist and a mom. She’s authored many articles and works in early childhood curriculum development. She’s also founder of Mxm Bloc, a Black mxm led mutual-aid group that supports Black families, and Reproductive Rights PDX.

News Parents and Families

We’re Harnessing the Power of Moms!

By CI Communications | Jun 17, 2022

Moms are tenacious. Moms are strong. And most importantly, moms give all they've got to make sure their kids have what they need. We need tenacity and strength from moms in our movement! We know that a brighter future for our state rests on a foundation of love...

Podcast Health and Development Parents and Families

A Conversation with Children’s Institute’s CEO, Kali Thorne Ladd

By Rafael Otto | May 26, 2022

In this episode of the Early Link Podcast, we talk to Kali Thorne Ladd, Chief Executive Officer here at Children’s Institute. She has an extensive track record of working in early childhood and is co-founder and executive director of Kairos PDX. As a leader in multiple positions, Thorne Ladd works to transform early learning and healthy development for children and families in Oregon.

Oregon Policy Child Care Home Visiting Parents and Families

Legislative Recap: 2022 Short Session Brings Big Wins

By Celeste Yager-Kandle | Mar 22, 2022

The 2022 legislative session came to a close on Friday, March 5, and as we welcome spring and a time of renewal, Children’s Institute is optimistic about the future of early childhood in Oregon.
In the short span of five weeks, the Oregon legislature passed several of the Early Childhood Coalition’s legislative priorities, ...

Blog, 2022 Legislative Recap Short Session Brings Big Wins (1)

Home Visiting Child Care Oregon Policy Parents and Families

Home Visits Help Families Stick Together

By Celeste Yager-Kandle | Mar 17, 2022

In this article, parents share their experiences with voluntary home visits and why family support programs are so needed.

Oregon Policy Brain Development Federal Policy Podcast

Infant Mental Health & Children’s Rights with Dr. Sherri Alderman

By Rafael Otto | Mar 10, 2022

On the latest Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto speaks with Dr. Sherri Alderman, a developmental behavioral pediatrician. Dr. Alderman is faculty at Portland State University with decades of experience advocating for child rights, working clinically and on...