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
Children’s Wellness – Oregon Values and Beliefs Center
Is Oregon the best place to be a kid? If not, how can we improve childhood and parenting experiences in the state?
Early Childhood Coalition Announces 15 Policy Priorities
Children’s Institute (CI) is elated with the Oregon Legislature’s creation of a new Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health. The Committee not only aligns with CI’s support of early childhood education, it does so in an original way.
Senate Committee Offers Fresh Take on Early Childhood Health
Children’s Institute (CI) is elated with the Oregon Legislature’s creation of a new Senate Committee on Early Childhood and Behavioral Health. The Committee not only aligns with CI’s support of early childhood education, it does so in an original way.
Events
See what’s happening at Children’s Institute
✨Attention Oregon Educators!✨
Are you passionate about early learning?
The Learning Loop is the newsletter you’ve been waiting for! Stay connected with the latest updates, success stories, and exclusive resources to support your work in the classroom or school district.
Join our growing community of educators shaping the future of early education in Oregon.
🔗 Sign up today and be in the loop! Link in bio
Thank you, advocates for showing up and choosing children at Early Childhood Advocacy Day.
Today, a dedicated community of early childhood advocates from across Oregon spoke up for Oregon’s youngest children and their families. They spoke to legislators and their staff about critical priorities: expanding access to early learning and care, supporting maternal-child health, and strengthening family supports.
These are investments that help kids thrive and build a stronger Oregon for everyone.
We are grateful for all of the legislators—new faces and existing champions—who made space to listen and center children today. We know that the Oregon Legislature is facing pressure and uncertainty, but children can`t wait. The ECC continues to call on lawmakers to choose children in their decisions through the end of the 2025 session.
Advocacy is for everyone! Want to take action? There is still time in this session to email your legislator and urge them to support early investments. If you`re not sure who your representative is, we`ve added a link in our bio to help you find them.
We know that advocacy is about action—it`s also about education!
Today, legislators learned about a program running one of two early childhood apprenticeship programs in Oregon. In January, the program started a cohort in Yamhill county and is now expanding to Salem. Early childhood apprenticeship programs are designed to provide an early childhood career pathway and encourage growth and retention in the sector.
This session, HB 3008 is one of the ECC`s priority bills that would ensure this program, and others like it, would receive funding to increase Oregon`s child care workforce by:
- Addressing staff shortages and high turnover in child care centers
- Offering comprehensive training and support for apprentices and mentor teachers
- Providing college credits and micro-credentials that open career pathways with
higher pay and career advancement
Because child care makes all other work possible!
Today, early childhood advocates from across Oregon are raising their voices for children and families, and sharing why prioritizing early childhood investments are critical for the long-term success of children, families, and communities. Advocates will meet with their representatives to lift up Early Childhood Coalition priorities in early education and child care, maternal-child health, and family support services.
Thank you @repwillychotzen!
Anyone can be an advocate for children! What would you want your representative to know about early childhood?
We love spending time with advocates! Thank you to everyone who joined us at tonight`s virtual advocacy kick-off to share your stories and get ready for tomorrow`s Early Childhood Advocacy Day 🏛
As said beautifully by presenter Dani Stamm Thomas during the kick-off, "Children`s voices are small and some of them don`t speak yet. We need to use our voices to speak for and on behalf of children to ensure they get what they need, and remind legislators that behind every pen strike, there are real children being impacted every day."
Scroll through this post to see why our community of advocates is choosing children through policy change!
#orpol #orleg #earlychildhood #advocacy #community #oregon
Members of CI staff volunteered at Scott School Elementary for a Día del Niño celebration! The school was full of life and energy with student performances and laughter, as families made crafts and celebrated the occasion together. It was a beautiful day to celebrate childhood and community! #diadelosniños #childhood #community #education
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
