An anniversary timeline traces the people, projects, partnerships, and discoveries that have shaped FPG’s work since 1966.

For 60 years, the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) has advanced knowledge and strengthened systems to help children and families thrive. In celebration of FPG’s 60th anniversary, a snapshot timeline highlights defining moments in the Institute’s history—from landmark early childhood research studies and influential measures to nationally recognized technical assistance, implementation science, and resources used around the world.

The timeline begins with FPG’s founding in 1966 and follows six decades of research, innovation, and collaboration. Along the way, it spotlights work that has informed policy and practice, expanded educational opportunity, supported children with disabilities and their families, and equipped educators, practitioners, and public systems with evidence-based tools and approaches.

Among the milestones are the Abecedarian Project’s enduring contributions to understanding the long-term value of high-quality early education and the creation and continued evolution of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale. The timeline also recognizes FPG’s longstanding leadership in technical assistance, beginning with the groundbreaking work of Pascal “Pat” Trohanis in the 1970s. The Trohanis technical-assistance projects have included the Early Childhood Technical Assistance (ECTA) Center, the North Carolina Early Learning Network (NC-ELN), the IDEA Data Center (IDC), and the Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy), helping states strengthen systems and services for young children with disabilities and their families.

Other milestones include the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN), which became part of FPG in 2008 and has helped advance implementation science, as well as initiatives such as Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules (AFIRM), the STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE) Center, Targeted Reading Instruction, The Impact Center, and the Equity Research Action Coalition (ERAC) that continue to extend FPG’s reach.

Each milestone reflects FPG’s longstanding commitment to turning research into meaningful action. Together, they tell a story of sustained impact—and of an Institute continuing to learn, adapt, and build toward a future in which every child can reach their full potential.

Explore the full timeline to learn more about the discoveries, programs, and partnerships that have shaped the Institute’s first 60 years.