Children's Institute - Rochester, NY

08/12/2026

Children's Institute supports RCSD PreK.
Enroll your 3 and 4-year-old children in this impactful program today!

Every child deserves a great start. 🍎

PreK is where children begin making friends, building confidence, and discovering a love of learning that will follow them into kindergarten and beyond. Best of all, it's FREE for all City of Rochester residents!

This fall, we're expanding with two brand-new centers dedicated entirely to PreK, creating even more opportunities for our youngest learners to learn, grow, and thrive.

Your child's school journey starts here.

Enroll today at RocPreK.org

06/26/2026

Congratulations to all students, teachers and school staff who made it through another important year of learning! Happy summer!

06/19/2026

Children’s Institute will be closed on
June 19, 2026 in honor of Juneteenth — a day celebrating freedom and commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. We proudly recognize this important moment in history and its ongoing significance.

06/18/2026

Children’s Institute’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) was selected to receive a With Youth For Youth (WYFY) grant by their Youth Advisory Board through the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo. On Saturday June 13, 2026 YLC representatives participated in the WYFY event. They said, “Grateful to WYFY for hosting such a wonderful event this weekend! It was an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow grantees, engage in meaningful youth-led discussions, and witness funders truly walk the walk. Hearing directly from the young leaders who made it all possible was powerful. We left feeling energized and inspired, with new ideas to strengthen our Youth Leadership Council in the year ahead.”

Link to more?: https://conta.cc/43K2jO0
Western New York Youth Direct More Than $2 Million to Out-Of-School Time and Youth Sports Programs - Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

06/11/2026

On the International Day of Play, we’re reminded that play is essential to young children’s growth. Research shows that child‑led play helps children build social emotional skills, manage their feelings, form strong peer relationships, and get ready to learn. When schools, families, and communities protect time for intentional play, children thrive.

This video, written and produced by CI research intern Brendan Merhab, shows why play is a core part of programs like Primary Project.

05/28/2026

In our work with schools and childcare centers, we often emphasize how small actions can make a big impact on school culture—and we try to live that out within our own team, too. The little things really do make a difference in how we connect and work together. One of our amazing CI staff members constantly reminds us to celebrate those moments, like these sweet "hamburgers" made from cookies left out for the team on National Hamburger Day. If your team loves celebrating the little moments, tell us how in the comments. We’re always looking for inspiration!

05/21/2026

Rochester Area Parent Program (RAPP) participants enthusiastically shared what was most helpful about the program this year in our latest survey. Here are some of the responses:

“It was nice hearing from other parents and caregivers going through similar situations.”

“The feedback from the facilitator and parents’ real-life video on things that happen in real life.”

“It gave us step by step instructions and videos to see the process of parenting activities.”

Learn more about how RAPP is helping to shape strong communities in Rochester here: https://conta.cc/4dAjPZE

05/14/2026

Primary Project’s latest newsletter is now available featuring highlights from the field, helpful parent resources, and a celebration of the incredible people bringing this work to life in schools every day.

Read it here: https://conta.cc/4tvNh8Q

05/13/2026

Get Ready to GROW’s Kristin Lynch, SLP, partnered with Children’s Librarian Steven Shon to host a successful afternoon of comprehensive health and developmental screenings—along with follow‑up support—for children ages 1–5 at the Sully Branch Library. GROW Screenings will return to the library this fall. Stay tuned for upcoming dates!

05/08/2026

Dear Mr. Harlston,
This is a reminder to thank you for not giving up on us.

For every time we took a test,
for every time you took the time to check in on us,
for every time you made sure no one was left behind,
and for every time you showed us that you truly care.

I thank you for teaching with care in a way that has left a lasting impact on us.

-Malaz, Rochester Academy Charter School, Class of 2025