The government-funded body has also said it will look at improving support for children during transitional changes, such as leaving school, as part of its work across three themes of schools, communities and youth.
Exploring ways schools can strengthen links with their community and local families through their extended schools programme will also be a priority, as will researching the impact of targeted youth work and ways to combat alcohol abuse.
The centre has also announced some appointments, including National Foundation for Education Research strategic adviser Sheila Stoney, who will lead research on schools and communities.
The National Youth Agency's director of business development Rod Norton will lead research surrounding youth issues.
The C4EO is an independent research body set up in July 2008 and funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Its remit is to analyse and share latest research on improving outcomes for children and young people with councils and children's trusts. The first findings will be published in February 2010.
