Children's Institute

Advancing the social and emotional health of young children since 1957

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Welcoming New Leadership: A Note from Our Executive Director

I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Children’s Institute. As someone who is deeply committed to this community and the work we do together, I’m excited to begin this new chapter with you.

A Note from Our Executive Director

Rochester Early Childhood Assessment Partnership: Celebrating over 30 years of a successful community-wide educational partnership

The Rochester NY community collaborated for over 30 years to develop, implement, improve, and innovate its early education quality improvement system known as Rochester Early Childhood Assessment Partnership (RECAP).

Take a look at the 27th Annual RECAP report!

CI Develops Culturally Responsive SEL Classroom Practices Tool

Children’s Institute has developed the Culturally Responsive SEL Classroom Practices Tool. The tool is designed to be an observational assessment and coaching tool that will help teachers improve their SEL practice and better support their students’ social emotional development and learning.

Blog

2 February 2026

Celebrating Excellence: Vanessa Cao Receives the Emory L. Cowen Award

We’re proud to honor Vanessa Cao, winner of the Emory L. Cowen Award for the best first‑authored article in a psychology journal. Her research helps carry forward the legacy of Emory L. Cowen, who founded Primary Project in 1957, the prevention program Children’s Institute continues to implement in schools today.

27 October 2025

My Journey with Primary Project

Senior Project Coordinator Arlene Bobin shares her personal journey with Primary Project over the years—from the early 1980s to today!

15 September 2025

Congratulations to our Primary Project 2024-25 Nationally Certified Schools

Congratulations to our 2024-25 Primary Project Nationally Certified Schools