March is National Reading Month, a time to celebrate the stories and ideas that inspire learning, creativity, and connection. At Children’s Institute, we’re joining in by sharing book recommendations that support children’s social-emotional growth and spark meaningful conversations. 

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.

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

Congratulations to our 2024-25 Primary Project Nationally Certified Schools

Schools will begin using the updated version of the Teacher Child Rating Scale T-CRS 3.1 this fall.

I have the honor of providing program coordination and supervising child associates for Primary Project in South Florida. Having established strong partnerships with both the school district and Children’s Services Council, programs have remained stable and consistent for over 20 years.

Welcome back to the new school year! As I walked into my own son’s school this summer and felt the buzz of excitement from teachers, administrators, and students, I thought, “It is going to be a great year!”

The Rochester Area Parent Program (RAPP) is completing its 10th group for parents and caregivers of young children this school year. Over 90 parents participated in the program in collaboration with childcare centers, city school district sites, shelters for the unhoused and formerly incarcerated parents and two groups of parents who were self-referred.

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.