Education Explorers, founded in 2017 by Mrs. Zakkiyya Ibrahim, is a distinguished, Black-owned, SPARK 5-star Quality Rated early education program operating across Washington and Multnomah Counties in Oregon. As the only program of its kind in Washington County, Education Explorers is committed to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that honor the diverse backgrounds of its students and families.
Our Mission
Education Explorers’ mission is to interrupt the preschool-to-prison pipeline by reducing systemic barriers that prevent Black, African, and children of color from accessing a strong educational foundation and culturally matched care. Through high-quality, home-based early learning environments, we bridge academic gaps by affirming identity, honoring culture, and promoting self-directed, active learning. We are committed to empowering and uplifting educators of color—providing intentional training, leadership opportunities, and equitable resources—to ensure that every child is seen, supported, and equipped to thrive from the start.
Our Vision
At Education Explorers, we envision a world where every Black, African, and children of color enters kindergarten not only ready to learn, but confident in who they are and where they come from. Our vision is to transform early childhood education into a culturally affirming, equity-centered experience that dismantles barriers, disrupts cycles of exclusion, and nurtures brilliance in every child. We strive to cultivate a generation of changemakers by investing in diverse educators, embracing community-rooted care, and building educational ecosystems where justice, joy, and excellence go hand in hand.
Our Core Values
Education Explorers is grounded in a set of core values that reflect our unwavering commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and holistic child development. These principles guide our mission to dismantle systemic barriers and cultivate inclusive, nurturing learning environments for all children.
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Child‑Centered Learning
We prioritize the unique strengths and interests of each child, fostering environments that encourage self-directed play and discovery. This approach nurtures an early love of learning that endures throughout life.
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Researched Curriculum
Our research-inspired approach blends proven early childhood curricula to support the whole child. We use the HighScope Curriculum to promote active learning and independence, Learning Without Tears for early literacy and fine motor skills, and Second Step to build social-emotional awareness.
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Individual Attention
Our low staff‑to‑student ratios ensure every child receives the guidance and encouragement needed to foster social, physical, emotional and cognitive growth at an individualized pace.
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Eliminating Financial Barriers
We believe every child deserves access to high-quality early education, regardless of their family's income. To ensure affordability, we offer no-cost preschool through the Preschool for All (PFA) and Preschool Promise (PSP) programs, free infant and toddler care funded by the Early Childhood Equity Fund (ECEF), and accept Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) subsidies for eligible families. By participating in city, county, and state-funded initiatives, we actively work to remove financial, linguistic, and logistical obstacles, making equitable early learning a reality for Black, African, and all historically underserved communities.
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Sensory‑Friendly Spaces
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to be calm, soothing, and accessible to all children, including those with sensory processing needs. We incorporate Montessori-inspired elements such as natural lighting, neutral tones, child-sized furnishings, and carefully selected materials promoting order, independence, and concentration. These universal design features create a sensory-friendly environment that supports self-regulation, fosters focus, and allows each child to engage meaningfully with their surroundings at their own pace.
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Inclusive & Diverse Community
We celebrate and uplift the rich cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of our children, families, and staff. Our program actively recruits and supports educators of color and multilingual professionals to reflect the communities we serve and foster a deep sense of belonging. Our dedicated educators are trained to identify and thoughtfully develop personalized, evidence‑based modifications and accommodations for students with special needs, as well as those with learning, perceptual, and developmental disabilities. Through this lens of equity and care, we cultivate environments where every child is valued, affirmed, and supported in their individual journey.