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
Lessons from ESS: Student Voice Shapes Stronger Classrooms
Educators participating in Early School Success, gathered for a learning lab hosted by Children’s Institute. The learning lab focused on centering student voice in the classroom.
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.
Events
Learning Lab
Learning Lab
This interactive site visit showcases effective early literacy in action, while the host school receives real-time feedb...
See what’s happening at Children’s Institute
Ideas? Shared. Practices? Showcased. Energy? Reignited! 💥
Collaboration was in full bloom at last week’s ESS Spring Convening! 🌸 School teams across the network came together to reflect on their roles and shared mission, share fresh ideas, and plan next steps. The convening sparked new energy, strengthened connections, and set the stage for a strong finish to the year-and an even stronger start to the next.
Today, families from around the country gathered on Capitol Hill with their children in strollers for Strolling Thunder, a national day of action urging Congress to prioritize infants, toddlers, and their families led by @zerotothree.
Meanwhile, it`s election day in Oregon and local school board races are top of mind for many, as school boards make critical decisions that shape early learning and K-12 education in their districts. Remember to turn in your ballots by 8:00 p.m.!
In Oregon (and beyond) young children can’t wait. It’s time for elected leaders—at every level—to choose children.
#vote #electionday #oregon #washingtondc #strollingthunder #K12 #earlylearning #education
Join a giving community growing a future where every child has the love, care, and education they need!
Whether it`s $5 or $500, a monthly donation to Children`s Institute provides reliable, sustained support for young children and the people who care for them including:
👶🏽Consistent support for children’s early development
🌱Ongoing investment in educators, child care, and early learning
🏛Sustainable advocacy and systems-level work
Become a monthly donor at the link in bio or visit childinst.org/donate.
We’ve spent a lot of time with educators across Oregon this year, helping to guide school teams through the Early School Success Academy and connecting with our ESS partners multiple times for shared learnings and reflection through our cross-network meetings. We feel so much joy in being able to connect with our school and culturally specific community partners over the course of the school year. 🌈❤️
In honor of Educator Appreciation Week (and every week!), let’s recognize the many extraordinary educators who are dedicated to nurturing young minds and strengthening the foundation of education from early learning through elementary school and beyond! We are endlessly grateful for all the teachers, educators, administrators, instructional assistants, SPED teachers, and educational mentors who make a profound impact in the lives of children and youth (and us!!) every day. Your passion and perseverance create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of the classroom. We see you and appreciate you! ✨🤩
#teacherappreciation #educatorappreciation
✨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.
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
