In these tough budget times, it’s more critical than ever to ensure kids across Oregon have what they need to be Great by Age 8 – and we need ongoing, statewide leadership to get it done. Because when Oregon kids flourish, the entire state does, too.
The 2026 Oregon legislative short session closed without restoring key early childhood investments, but advocates continued to elevate the needs of young children and families. Early childhood partners and advocates remain focused on stabilizing essential early learning services and strengthening support for Oregon’s youngest learners.
Early Childhood Coalition announces 2026 policy priorities. In 2026, providers, families, and advocates call on the Oregon Legislature to stabilize essential early learning and care services that thousands of Oregon children and families rely on.
After a challenging 2025 legislative session shaped by federal policy and funding constraints, early childhood advocates are still celebrating key wins.
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.
Children's Institute, early childhood advocates, and our partners are making headlines! Read the latest about Children's Institute in the news.
Early childhood advocates gathered at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem for a “Vote No on Senate Bill 5514 Day of Action” and press conference.
Early childhood advocates met with the Oregon Legislature to champion early childhood priorities, calling on the state to invest in young children.
Kali Thorne Ladd shares her 2025 bold vision for Oregon children, outlining key priorities for young children and their families.
Children's Institute CEO, Kali Thorne Ladd, joined Family Forward in Washington, D.C., to attend Rep. Bynum's Congressional inauguration.
