The Latest
An Update on Preschool for All Multnomah County with Leslee Barnes
On this segment of The Early Link, we’re following up with Leslee Barnes, Director of the Preschool and Early Learning Division at Multnomah County, who gives us an update on the implementation of Preschool for All (PFA) in Multnomah County. Barnes is a fourth-generation Oregonian who grew up in Northeast Portland, and a leading figure working alongside commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson, in the development of Preschool for All which was approved by voters in November 2020.
A Conversation with Children’s Institute’s CEO, Kali Thorne Ladd
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.
Social-Emotional Health is Key in Student Success
In the latest Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto speaks with Rosalie Sumsion.
Sumsion is a reading specialist at McBride Elementary in the St. Helens school district, working with small groups of readers throughout the day. She is also part of the Early School Success Team, a group of teachers working in …
Legislative Recap: 2022 Short Session Brings Big Wins
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, …
Home Visits Help Families Stick Together
In this article, parents share their experiences with voluntary home visits and why family support programs are so needed.
CI Announces Board Chair, Bob Harding
Children’s Institute is pleased to announce its new board chair, Bob Harding. Harding succeeds John Tapogna, who served as chair since 2019. Harding is the president and chief operating officer of Pacific West Bank, leading the bank’s strategic direction and...
Infant Mental Health & Children’s Rights with Dr. Sherri Alderman
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...
Policy Brief: Facilities Investments Would Build Capacity for Oregon’s Early Childhood System
Greater public investment to expand early childhood facilities is crucial to build the capacity of Oregon’s child care and preschool system. This policy brief highlights: The critical need for child care How facilities costs create barriers The critical role of...
Early Education is Infrastructure for Oregon’s Workforce
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting increase in telecommuting and distance learning for children has elevated the importance of early learning and care as a key component supporting Oregon’s workforce. Many parents who lost jobs at the beginning of the...
‘You feel like you have someone in your corner,’ Parents and Providers Urge Leaders to Invest in Family Support Programs, Home Visiting Services
When Marnesha Strickland gave birth to her daughter, the hospital connected her with a program to support her with her newborn. Shortly thereafter, Strickland was introduced to Vanessa Stewart, a home visitor with Albina Head Start, which is a contractor providing...
