Research, Publications & Policy

Straus Institute for Thriving Children & Families

The Straus Institute for Thriving Children & Families brings together research, practice, and policy to create a more just and equitable society. Grounded in equity-focused research and policy analysis, the Institute conducts applied studies that strengthen early childhood systems and family economic supports and improve the lives of children and families.

Our work focuses on:

  • Enhancing early childhood systems to better support young children and families
  • Expanding equitable pathways for the early childhood workforce, including access to professional development and career opportunities
  • Engaging families and communities through culturally, historically, and linguistically responsive research and practice
  • Addressing structural inequities that limit opportunities for children and families

By translating research into actionable insights for communities, advocates, and policymakers, we work to promote healthy child development, economic stability for families, and a well-prepared and fairly compensated early childhood workforce.

Explore Our Work Meet Our Team

National Center for Children in Poverty

Housed within the Straus Institute, the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP), is a leading source of research and policy information on children and families experiencing poverty.

NCCP reports, data, and policy scans provide policymakers, advocates, and community leaders with clear, evidence-based information to understand the challenges facing families and identify policies and practices that can reduce economic hardship and improve outcomes for children and families.

Visit the National Center for Children in Poverty

Research and Expertise in Early Childhood

The Straus Institute unites researchers and scholars to advance equitable early childhood systems. Through multidisciplinary research, we examine the policies and practices that shape opportunities and outcomes for children, families, and educators.

Led by Dr. Sara Amadon, inaugural executive director, our team brings deep expertise, cultural humility, and a strong commitment to justice in action.

How Our Work Creates Impact

Two educators talking

Partner With Us

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with organizations across New York and throughout the nation. If you are interested in partnering with the Straus Institute on research, evaluation, or policy analysis to elevate the voices and experiences of children, families, and educators, we would love to hear from you.

To explore a potential partnership, contact Sara Amadon, executive director, at samadon@bankstreet.edu.

Lynn Straus

About Lynn Straus

The Straus Institute for Thriving Children and Families has been made possible with a generous gift from the late Lynn Straus, GSE ’47 (1925-2023), who served for more than 25 years as a trustee of Bank Street College of Education. After graduating from Bank Street, teaching first grade, and starting a family, Lynn helped to found and then direct the preschool program that became a model for the national Head Start program and grew into one of the first New York State Experimental Pre-Kindergarten Programs. She remained a passionate advocate for and generous patron of quality early childhood education programs, especially those benefiting the youngest children and meeting the needs of children and families in under-served communities. 
Learn More About Lynn Straus