The Children’s Institute is a research and action organization dedicated to improving the odds for Oregon’s at-risk children. WHO WE ARE

OUR VISION An Oregon where every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed in school and life.

OUR STRATEGY We move research to action by promoting cost-effective public and private investments in early childhood programs.

OUR WORK Early Education Best Practices in Early Childhood Linking Early Childhood with K-12

EARLY EDUCATION Support Ready for School’s campaign to provide every eligible child the opportunity to attend Oregon Head Start Pre-K and Early Head Start.

BEST PRACTICES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD Advise lawmakers, government agencies, philanthropic organizations and others on best practices in the field of early childhood development.

LINKING EARLY CHILDHOOD WITH K-12 Demonstrate how early childhood programs and elementary schools working together can close the achievement gap. At the heart of this work is a 10-year demonstration project designed to influence policy and practice at all levels.

OUR IMPACT More Children in High-Quality Early Education Effective Use of Philanthropic Funds Resources Aligned with Best Practices

More Children in High-Quality Pre-K “The Children’s Institute has made an effective case for investing in early education – a key component of my Education Enterprise. Together with Ready for School, they helped the Legislature make sure 3,000 more at-risk children receive a high-quality early education through Oregon Head Start Pre-K.” ~Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski

Effective Use of Philanthropic Funds “We rely on the Children’s Institute as a trusted resource and advisor to make sure our investments in early childhood programs have the greatest impact.” ~O.H. Mayer, Oscar G. and Elsa S. Mayer Family Foundation

Resources Aligned with Best Practices “We all know that getting our children off to a strong start is the right thing to do; by aligning resources with best practices the Children’s Institute is making sure it happens.” ~Duncan Campbell, Chair Emeritus, The Campbell Group