About Us
Our mission is to advance learning and health outcomes for all children through research, resource development, clinical programs, and service delivery.
Our Vision
All members of the Children’s Learning Institute remain dedicated to our mission, and as we continue to grow as professionals, we remain intent on achieving our goal to make sure every child is equipped to learn and able to excel.
Over 30 years ago, we founded CLI to apply cutting-edge research in child development and education to improve learning in children. Today, we continue to develop innovative educational programs and clinical practices based on that founding vision.
Our Research
Research conducted by the Children’s Learning Institute serves as the foundation of all our programs and initiatives. Our research faculty are recognized for advancing research in brain behavior, especially with children and adolescents who have learning differences. CLI researchers are published extensively in the fields of child development, learning disabilities, neuroscience, psychology, and developmental psychology.
We are currently working on multiple research grants and contracts, funded through a combination of federal funding, state funding, and private donations.
Our Story
Children’s Learning Institute started in 1996 as the Department of Developmental Pediatrics, housed within UTHealth Houston’s medical school, with a staff of 25 people. In 2003, The University of Texas Board of Regents formally combined two nationally recognized educational research centers that had grown within the department—the Center for Academic and Reading Skills and the Center for Improving the Readiness of Children for Learning and Education—and named the new organization the Children’s Learning Institute. The new institute also encompassed clinical practices for children with suspected or diagnosed developmental delays or disabilities, services still offered today through CLI’s clinical programs.
Curriculum
Circle Curriculum products are affordable, comprehensive, flexible, and engaging, and are designed to meet all early childhood education needs. These teacher-friendly resources ensure children receive a high-quality education from birth to pre-k by supporting language, cognitive, and social and emotional development.
Infant and Toddler
$620
Create weekly lesson plans that support meaningful interactions and playful learning experiences.
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Teacher’s Guide
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Activities A-Z
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Plan Your Week
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Family Engagement
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Supporting All Children
Pre-K
$1,950
Provides all the resources needed to support weekly planning and delivery of high-quality instruction.
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Teacher’s Manual
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Welcome to Pre-K!
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Scope & Sequences
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Theme Guides
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Supplemental Resources
Digital Resources
In addition to our printed Circle Curriculum products, teachers and administrators can also access CLI’s Engage platform. CLI Engage is a digital platform that houses a wealth of research-based early learning resources for teachers and families of children from birth through early elementary.
- Professional development
- Screening, progress monitoring, and observation
- Activities and materials to support learning
- At-home learning activities for families