Childhood is a series of moments when a little help can go a very long way.


These are the moments that set the course for a lifetime of health, and productivity, and even joy. And these are the moments that determine a community’s future.

The mission of Children’s Institute is to strengthen children’s social and emotional health through prevention and early intervention initiatives built on research, evidence and collaboration. Some of the areas we focus on:


Learn about COMET, our web-based data collection and management system

NOW is the moment.

All the research shows that prevention and early intervention are the best medicine. When we reach children early, we reclaim for them years of health and happiness, and increase the likelihood that they will grow to be responsible, caring citizens. Children’s Institute was founded more than 50 years ago in Rochester, NY. Today we serve professionals across the U.S. through more than 40 programs and services. Read more about us and the ways we make a difference.

Partnerships make it happen.

Children’s Institute owes much of its success over 50 years to collaboration with partners—from academics to care providers to educators and policy makers. Read about our partnerships…and contact us to talk about supporting these efforts.

Make a lasting difference—
help a child today.

One out of every four children, as young as age three, suffers from social and emotional/behavioral problems. Now is the time to address them. We invite you to join us in this important work by becoming a Children’s Institute donor.DONATE

How can we help you?

Many of our programs came into being because a person who works with children called to say, “What if…?” We welcome your inquiries, thoughts, and ideas. Contact us.

 

University of RochesterChildren’s Institute is affiliated with the
University of Rochester.

NOW AVAILABLE: Stage of Change Scale for Early Education and Care 2.0
Learn more about  this tool designed to measure caregivers’ readiness to change their child care practices to benefit children. The Stage of Change Scale and Professional Manual identifies instructional techniques for each stage to help improve caregiver performance.

Programs

Direct help to the people who work with children.  Over one million children in 2100 schools adjust to classroom environments through our Primary Project program alone. Our award-winning programs and services help kids who struggle with school adjustment, violence, obesity and separation from a parent. Read more…

Services

Early identification speeds help to kids. Teachers, school psychologists, social workers, physicians and parents all take advantage of our state-of-the-art assessment, consultation and evaluation services. Read more…

Training

Knowledge is empowerment. We share what we know with professionals across the nation through our curriculum in infant and toddler care, early literacy and play therapy, delivered live, online and through written material. Read more…

Research & Evaluation

Informed decision-making. The stakes for children are high, and missteps cost time and money. We bring scientific research and rigorous review to childhood programs, policies, and projects so that you can move ahead with confidence. Read more…