
Children experience their most profound brain development in the first five years of life. The quality of life experiences during that time sets the foundation for all future learning and development.
We know that investing early in kids and their families is the most effective strategy to improve long-term outcomes for children and support thriving communities. Your partnership makes our work possible.
- More equitable access to early health and learning opportunities
- Improved health outcomes
- Kids meeting critical 3rd grade benchmarks, a predictor of high school graduation
- Lower levels of poverty and higher earnings
- A stronger workforce and economy
Investments in quality early childhood programs and services make a positive impact far beyond individuals and families, transforming entire communities.
Economists estimate that the rate of return for funding high-quality preschool ranges between 7 and 10 percent for every dollar invested.
When health benefits are factored in, the return on investment increases to 13 percent.
- More equitable access to early health and learning opportunities
- Improved health outcomes
- Kids meeting critical 3rd grade benchmarks, a predictor of high school graduation
- Lower levels of poverty and higher earnings
- A stronger workforce and economy
Investments in quality early childhood programs and services make a positive impact far beyond individuals and families, transforming entire communities.
Economists estimate that the rate of return for funding high-quality preschool ranges between 7 and 10 percent for every dollar invested.
When health benefits are factored in, the return on investment increases to 13 percent.
“The work of Children’s Institute is critical to the future success of our state. We believe in advocating for research, policy, and practices that support the healthy, vibrant, and positive development of Oregon’s children. Being part of CI’s Impact Circle enables us to invest in a brighter future for every Oregonian.”
– Natalie Vega O’Neil and Aaron Patz –

When you become an Impact Partner, you will prioritize the 129,000 young Oregon children living in low-income households, a disproportionate number of which are children of color. With poverty being highest among children under six—the same window when brain development is most critical—investing in Children’s Institute’s work will change the future of our state.
We count on the leadership of our Impact Partners to support innovative new initiatives and proven efforts designed to change the trajectory of children’s lives across the state. Impact Partners make it possible for Children’s Institute to commit to advocacy, research, policy, and practice that improves outcomes for children who experience barriers to opportunity due to poverty, race, disability, language, and/or geographic location.

When you become an Impact Partner, you will prioritize the 129,000 young Oregon children living in low-income households, a disproportionate number of which are children of color. With poverty being highest among children under six—the same window when brain development is most critical—investing in Children’s Institute’s work will change the future of our state.
We count on the leadership of our Impact Partners to support innovative new initiatives and proven efforts designed to change the trajectory of children’s lives across the state. Impact Partners make it possible for Children’s Institute to commit to advocacy, research, policy, and practice that improves outcomes for children who experience barriers to opportunity due to poverty, race, disability, language, and/or geographic location.
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health, economic, racial, and education crises have laid bare the failures and long-standing inequities of our existing systems meant to serve young children and families.
Across Oregon and the rest of the country, child care and preschool programs face financial ruin. Young children have missed essential health services and lost crucial learning time, widening existing opportunity gaps and disparities.
While the challenges we face right now are numerous, the growing movement of policy makers and business and community leaders who recognize the critical importance of early childhood development presents us with an opportunity to push for systemic change.
Impact Partners make it possible for Children’s Institute to test and develop new programs and to broaden the impact of strong, proven initiatives.
Site Visits
Impact Talks & Reports
Annual Reception
Site Visits
Impact Talks & Reports
Annual Reception
YES!