The Institute for Child Success

OUR VISION IS THE SUCCESS OF ALL YOUNG CHILDREN.

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the Institute for Child Success (ICS) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and policy organization dedicated to the success of all young children.

Latest Publications

2018-2019 Annual Report

Every Child is a Writer – Understanding the Importance of Writing in Early Childhood

South Carolina Early Childhood Data Report

Childhood, Unplugged: Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Learning and Hands-On Play

ALL PUBLICATIONS

News From ICS

New Brief! Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

PRESS RELEASE: Governor’s 4K Expansion Plan Brings New Day to South Carolina’s Children

2019 in Review, and Looking to 2020 (Highlight Video)

2020 Nurturing Developing Minds: Partnering Across Sectors to Support Child Development

2018-2019 Annual Report

SC Data Book Toolkit & South Carolina Early Childhood Annual Data Report 2019

Early Childhood Common Agenda

Featured Events

Research & Policy

ICS proposes smart public policies grounded in research to improve outcomes for all children. We believe in the power of bold ideas to shape the dialogue about our children’s futures and build a more just society. Learn More >

Who We Are

Launched in 2010, the Institute for Child Success (ICS) is a private, nonpartisan research and policy organization. ICS works to create a culture that facilitates and fosters the success of all young children. Learn More >

Board of Directors

Our Board is composed of dynamic thought leaders and visionaries from across the US. They guide our work and provide overall strategic direction to our efforts to improve outcomes for all young children. Learn More >

Videos

Our ever-growing video library is a great resource for better understanding the complex challenges we face — and the varied solutions within our reach. Ready to learn more about ICS? Take a look at our work in action. Watch Videos >

Advisory Services

ICS advises governments, foundations, and nonprofits on strategies to improve outcomes for children using innovative types of financing, through systems integration and building, leadership development and more. Learn More >

Staff & Fellows

Our team of cross-disciplinary experts drive our work to improve outcomes for all young children. Whether it’s our staff or our Senior Fellows, we bring years of varied experience to the table, and we’re here to help. Meet the Team >

From the Blog

Analysis of Introducing Forest Schools and Outdoor Learning and Possible Outcomes

December 3, 2019

As I leave South Carolina (and return to the UK) following a very productive three-month stay in which I presented in Columbia, Charleston, and Spartanburg to early childhood educators, students and other professionals and agencies involved in Early Childhood, I want to analyze the outcomes of these various sessions and try to find common denominators and highlight issues and challenges which have a recurring theme.

Applying an Equity Lens to Greenville’s Housing Crisis

November 13, 2019

In Greenville County, the average annual income of a white individual is $59,820, a Hispanic individual is $35,794, and a black individual is $33,643. In the 2016 South Carolina Affordable Housing Study, the estimated income needed to afford a house in Greenville County was $53,633, which far surpasses the average income of black and Hispanic populations in Greenville by nearly $20,000.

Across coast to coast, an eye on trauma-informed early childhood education

November 8, 2019

I got some very useful ideas from the Colorado conference participants, including practitioners in other states who are treating these issues as health issues.

Comparing South Carolina’s Child and Maternal Health Indicators Internationally

June 26, 2019

Sean Rusnak, Post-Baccalaureate Fellow This blog is part of ICS’s series utilizing information from our South Carolina Early Childhood Databook, which highlights 80+ indicators of child and…

October 2019 eNews

November 7, 2019

A recent community needs assessment conducted by the Institute for Child Success (which is leading the collaborative’s Childhood Homelessness Project) revealed gaps in services and the critical state of housing instability in Greenville County. In response, we are organizing a listening tour to understand community issues on the ground.

Public Transit: Make it Comfortable, Compatible & Easy (Especially for Parents with Children)

November 5, 2019

All of the hallmark inconveniences of public transportation (long wait times, inclement weather, tight spaces/limited seating) are compounded for those traveling with children. A long line gets longer with a screaming child. It rains harder and the sun is hotter while waiting at the bus stop. Space gets tighter when you need room to store a stroller.

How an Insufficient Public Transportation System Decelerates Economic Mobility

October 4, 2019

The short hours and infrequency of the service make it difficult for people to access second and third shift jobs, night classes, and even grocery stores. Greenlink, similar to public transit agencies across the country, restricts its riders more than it benefits them in its current state due to its inadequate funding.

Forest School Reflection

September 17, 2019

After observing students in action, I noticed how resourceful everyone was. The children did not rely on plastic toys to bring them entertainment. They used natural materials such as stumps, sticks, leaves, dirt, etc. to design their own learning space for that day. Without the confines of walls and ceilings, students’ minds and bodies were able to explore their surroundings.

Doubling Down on Doulas to Improve Birth Outcomes

August 20, 2019

... doulas generally undergo training related to the physical, emotional, and social aspects of pregnancy, labor, and the newborn days, they have vast experience which can be used to help a delivering woman stay calm and focused, ask the right questions to feel comfortable with medical decisions, and adapt to the new reality of caring for a tiny baby.

July 2019 eNews

August 5, 2019

What We've Been Up To Planning an Impactful Convening 2019 Convening on Investing for Impact: 'Til All the Children Are Well Thursday, September 19th, 2019 8:30 am…

A new chapter in Pay for Success: The case of Legacy Early College

August 5, 2019

In late 2016, Legacy Early College, a charter school in Greenville, S.C., was awarded a federal Pay for Success feasibility study grant to explore expanding its K-12 options to include 3K/4K classes.

Every Child is a Writer: Examining our Perspectives can Change our Messaging

July 30, 2019

Children are naturally motivated to write at a young age. In order to continue to nurture this desire for written expression, it is crucial that early childhood educators focus their writing instruction primarily on content, process, and meaning (composition) and that families and community stakeholders understand and celebrate the phases of early writing development.

June 2019 eNews

July 16, 2019

What We've Been Up To Advocacy Allies: Gathering for the Greater Good Photo courtesy of SC Arts Alliance ICS recently hosted and sponsored an event organized by…

Digital decisions: How policymakers & families can navigate technology for young children

July 3, 2019

By Megan Carolan, Director of Policy Research Last week, I had the privilege of sitting on a panel briefing in Washington, D.C. hosted by America Forward and…

Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results

June 21, 2019

We applaud the federal government for creating this opportunity to further investments in programs that work for children, and we look forward to continuing the conversation about this process at our September 19th convening on social impact funding in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

My Field Trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy: The Bedrock of Higher-Level Learning

June 17, 2019

On my bucket list has always been a visit to Reggio Emilia, Italy where the famous experiential early childhood preschool approach is lauded and emulated worldwide. Having…

Parents Beware: Manufacturers’ Safety Claims May Not Measure Up

June 3, 2019

The safest place for a baby to sleep is on his/her back, in an empty crib (no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals), ideally in the same room as a parent. These steps are linked to a much lower rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and infant suffocation. Since the National Institute for Health launched the Safe to Sleep campaign (previously called Back to Sleep) in 1994, SIDS deaths have declined 50 percent while rates of back-sleeping have increased. The campaign works with pediatricians and other medical professionals as well as community leaders to communicate the basics of safe sleep and connect families with resources to help address issues they face.

May 2019 eNews

May 30, 2019

ICS is part of the 80+ member network known as Greenville County Care Coordination Collaborative. GCCCC was established by Help Me Grow SC and is a cooperative of agencies, organizations, and care providers with expertise in childhood health and developmental issues. A community needs assessment revealed gaps in services and an urgency to address housing instability.

April eNews

May 1, 2019

On Tuesday, April 23 in Columbia, SC, ICS brought together state representatives and senators (and their staff) from across the aisle. The legislators serve on the House Education and Public Works Committee and Senate Education Committee respectively. The purpose of the annual dinner is to foster relationships with the legislative members who represent the five million citizens of South Carolina. The dinner was engaging and filled with lively conversations about taking quantum leaps in education and moving children (especially 0-8) forward in early childhood education (ECE).

Maternal mortality – the missing indicator

April 23, 2019

By Megan Carolan, Director of Policy Research As we wrapped up our South Carolina Early Childhood Databook for publication, our team began to reflect on the process.…

Press Release: Natural Playground Brings European Flair to Nicholtown Community

April 22, 2019

When compared to traditional playgrounds, Representative Dillard lists numerous advantages natural playgrounds offer – awakening a child’s senses of sight, sound and touch with opportunities to play, feel and explore; offering a multi-phase approach to play; encouraging risk-taking and creativity; and presenting social and learning opportunities as children share and work together to carry out tasks.

South Carolina Poised to become National Leader in Breastfeeding and Lactation

April 17, 2019

By Amanda M. McDougald Scott, MS, Institute for Child Success Ashley Crary Lidow, MPH, WREN Terri Negron, RN, MN, FNP, Prisma Health and BZ (Melanie) Giese, BSN, RN, SC…

Press Release: National Grant Competition Aimed at Expanding High-Quality Services to Families with Infants and Toddlers Receives Overwhelming Response from States in Support of Local Solutions

April 15, 2019

Cobb emphasized that those receiving Planning Grants all demonstrated their ability to bring together public and private partners to address specific needs and challenges facing infants and toddlers and their families in their states.

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