Register today: 2025-2026 Early School Success Academy

by Aditi Sharma | Jun 2, 2025 | Early School Success, Announcements

Register today for the 2025-2026 Early School Success Academy!

The Early School Success Academy equips schools and districts to build strong early learning programs with practical tools and hands-on coaching that boost student success. This professional learning experience is led by educators, for educators!

This year’s focus:
Boosting Early Literacy

Click here to view flyer!

Registration is open!
To register or learn more, please contact Shawnté Hines at shawnte@childinst.org

Early School Success 2023-2024 Evaluation Report: Key Insights & Impact

by Aditi Sharma | Apr 1, 2025 | What We're Reading, Research and Evaluation, Early School Success

What is Early School Success?

At Children’s Institute, we believe that every child deserves a strong start in school. In 2019, Children’s Institute launched the Early School Success (ESS) initiative to help Oregon schools create smooth and supportive learning experiences for students from preschool through fifth grade. Five years after its implementation, we collaborated with Education Northwest to complete an evaluation and we are excited to share what we’ve learned about how ESS is improving classrooms, supporting teachers, and helping students thrive.

Overview

About the Evaluation Report

Purpose

The Early School Success evaluation examined:

How ESS is implemented across participating districts and schools.
Educator and administrator perspectives on its benefits for student engagement, systemic change, and instructional alignment.
Opportunities for growth and expansion to ensure long-term success.

Methodology

The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach, combining:

Quantitative data analysis to measure student engagement and instructional impact.
Qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups with educators, administrators, and ESS implementation teams.
Case studies of implementation across different school contexts

Key Findings

The report’s key findings show that Early School Success—through evidence-based strategies, cross-district collaboration, and professional development—has led to measurable improvements in early learning environments. The outcomes below highlight how ESS has supported positive change for students, educators, and school communities.

Increased student engagement, regulation, and peer relationships

Educators observed greater student engagement while implementing ESS strategies like playful inquiry, loose parts, and movement-based learning. These approaches supported academic growth in vocabulary, oral language, writing, and math while also fostering social-emotional development. Students who previously faced challenges became more engaged, built confidence, and strengthened peer relationships. Administrators noted that ESS classrooms promote problem-solving and a sense of belonging, contributing to fewer behavioral incidents.

Strengthened educator collaboration and support

Educators reported feeling more confident and appreciating how their professional expertise was honored and valued. The ESS framework encouraged risk taking, skill-building, and teamwork, creating a culture of trust and shared learning. Educators also embraced an inquiry-based mindset, making small but meaningful shifts in their teaching practices.

Improved classroom instruction and alignment

ESS teams that included educators across grade levels was integral in expanding successful strategies, strengthening instructional alignment from preschool through elementary grades. Educators elevated playful inquiry as an equity-driven practice, sparking deeper conversations about culturally responsive teaching. Districts strengthened alignment from preschool through fifth grade by expanding professional learning opportunities and integrating ESS insights into broader curriculum discussions and equity initiatives.

Stronger Family-School Partnerships

ESS strategies helped deepen connections between schools and families. As students became more engaged, families reported greater trust and partnership with educators. Schools introduced new approaches like empathy interviews, positive notes sent home, and learning activity kits to foster a home-school connection. One school reported a notable increase in attendance at family engagement events, and an administrator reflected on how powerful it was for parents to better understand their children’s experiences and share their own goals.

Inclusive and supportive school culture

ESS has helped cultivate a school culture centered around joy, equity, and inclusion. Educators applied an equity lens to data collection, using insights to tailor strategies for students adjusting to new cultural and linguistic environments. Many shared that ESS has broadened their perspective on learning, enabling them to better support students who may not have had positive school experiences in the past.

Next steps

The 2023-24 ESS evaluation highlights meaningful progress in student engagement, instructional quality, and educator collaboration. While there is more work ahead, these early successes underscore the value of intentional, research-based strategies to strengthen early learning. This progress reflects the commitment of educators, families, and school leaders. As the ESS initiative evolves, we will continue to build on this momentum to ensure early learning systems remain responsive, equitable, and student-centered. Together, we are laying the foundation for every child to get the strong start they deserve!

See ESS in Action

Lessons from ESS: Student Voice Shapes Stronger Classrooms

by Celeste Yager-Kandle | Feb 12, 2025 | Educators and Workforce, Professional Learning, Successful Students, Early School Success

Nearly 50 educators from across Oregon met at Vose Elementary School for a learning lab in partnership with Early School Success (ESS), an initiative through Children’s Institute that provides coaching and support to educators working with students from preschool through fifth grade.

The learning lab focused on how centering student voice, which means prioritizing students’ ideas and feelings, is a powerful tool to strengthen classrooms and help students feel like they are part of the school community.

Children’s Institute CEO Kali Thorne Ladd shared opening remarks, with inspiration from Italian educator Loris Malaguzzi. Malaguzzi founded the Reggio Emilia approach, a teaching method and philosophy that encourages educators to wonder and explore with children about what they experience, think, and feel.

“It’s our job [as educators] to listen to children—to watch them, to heed them, and to guide them,” said Thorne Ladd. “The idea isn’t that we are just telling them everything, but that they have something to give us.”

Talisa Timms, a continuous improvement specialist at Children’s Institute, facilitated the learning and emphasized that students are more likely to participate in school when they feel like their voice matters.

“If a student feels like their voice is being heard, they’re more likely to use it,” said Timms. “So that will increase student engagement and attendance.”

Talisa Timms, continuous improvement specialist, facilitated the learning lab.

Early School Success in Practice

As an exercise in practice, learning lab participants held empathy interviews with fifth graders, creating a space for students to share their thoughts on their school experiences. The interviews helped educators understand students’ perspectives on what makes them feel included and engaged at school.

A few key themes that emerged from empathy interviews with students included the importance of collaboration, connection, and belonging; relationships with peers and teachers; and having choice in their own learning experience.

Learning lab attendees worked in groups to identify themes from empathy interviews.

Themes were similar across groups and emphasized connection and collaboration.

Attendees also had the chance to observe ESS strategies in action, including Habits of Mind, a set of behaviors that guide students in approaching problems with curiosity and critical thinking. Another key strategy, Playful Inquiry, uses hands-on exploration to answer real-world questions.

“It has really helped us take our priority of having an equity lens to our work and combine that with research and best practices,” said Vose Elementary Principal Monique Singleton. “This approach helps us support students both where they are now and where we want to help them grow.”

Vose Elementary School Principal, Monique Singleton

Ultimately, ESS learning labs are designed to empower both teachers and students. By providing educators with tools and strategies, they can create more opportunities for student growth, engagement, and voice in the classroom.

Learn more about Early School Success:

Child Care Advocates Celebrate Representative Janelle Bynum’s Inauguration to Oregon’s 5th Congressional District

by CI Guest | Jan 8, 2025 | Preschool, Federal Policy, Health and Development, Oregon Policy

Children’s Institute CEO Kali Thorne Ladd and Family Forward Oregon Exec. Dir. Candice Vickers supported Congresswoman Janelle Bynum at her Jan. 3 inauguration in D.C. Congresswoman Bynum is a child care champion. From left to right: Vickers, Bynum, Ladd.

Please review this key update from our community partner, Family Forward Oregon:

WASHINGTON D.C. — On Friday, January 3, 2025, amongst more than 60 fellow newcomers to Congress, Janelle Bynum was sworn in to represent Oregon’s 5th Congressional District as the state’s first Black Congressperson Endorsed by many parent- and caregiver-centric organizations — including The Mother PAC — Bynum is a self-proclaimed care champion. Candice Vickers, Executive Director of Family Forward Oregon, and Kali Thorne Ladd, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Institute, were also in attendance.

On this historic swearing-in of Oregon’s first Black Congressperson, Vickers said, “I am reminded of the countless mothers and caregivers who have paved the way for this moment. Their tireless efforts to build stronger, more just communities have created a foundation for leaders like Congresswoman Bynum to rise.

“As an organization dedicated to supporting these unsung heroes, Family Forward Oregon recognizes the profound impact that representation has on our collective well-being. We look forward to working with Congresswoman Bynum to ensure that the voices of mothers and caregivers are heard in the halls of power, and that our policies reflect the values of equity, justice, and compassion that they embody.”

“Caregivers play a critical role in our families, communities, and economy and it’s time for our policies to reflect that,” said Congresswoman Bynum. “As a mom, I understand what families are struggling with and what they need. That’s why I’ll continue to champion expanding paid family and medical leave and investing in child care. I look forward to continuing to partner with Family Forward, now from Congress, to help families and children get the future they deserve.”

“Access to high-quality childcare is a critical investment in our children’s future,” said Thorne Ladd. “As we celebrate milestones like Congresswoman Janelle Bynum’s inauguration as Oregon’s first Black congresswoman, we’re reminded that representation matters — not just in government, but also in opportunities for our youngest citizens. By providing access to quality childcare, we can help ensure that all children, regardless of their background or zip code, have the opportunity to reach their full potential and grow up to be leaders like Congresswoman Bynum.”

CI Wrapped: Our Top Moments of 2024

by CI Communications | Dec 17, 2024 | Preschool, Action Alerts, Health and Development, Oregon Policy

Join us in reflecting on and celebrating another year of meaningful progress, partnerships, and impact for Oregon’s young children and families.

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re thinking about the unforgettable moments this year that brought us closer to making sure every child in Oregon has what they need to thrive.

And, with 2025 right around the corner, we want to let you know that we remain committed to collaborating with communities and supporting organizations who share a commitment to advocate for our youngest Oregonians.

We want to thank all of our partners, early childhood advocates, colleagues and legislators for their continued support and advocacy for young children and families in Oregon.

When we choose children, we can change the world!

Sincerely,

Children’s Institute Team

Children’s Institute’s Top 11 Moments of 2024

In 2024 we…

Links:

Children's Institute