About Home Childcare Essentials

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Home Childcare Essentials is Sponsoring Organization that began operations in 2020 and currently provides culturally-relevant workforce development training for the early education field.

In order to address the academic disparities affecting African American and Black children in Washington County, the organization aims to increase the number of African American and Black educators through targeted professional development courses.

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Home Childcare Essentials is led by Mrs. Zakkiyya Ibrahim, who holds a Bachelor’s in Family Life and Early Childhood Development and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis on Autism.

Mrs. Ibrahim is a Step 11 educator, as well as, a state-certified Master Trainer.

Mrs. Ibrahim is also the founder and director of Education Explorers (EE), the only Black-led and owned, SPARK 5-star Quality Rated early education program in the state.

  • EE began operations in 2017 and currently provides infant, toddler, and preschool programs for children between the ages of 8 weeks to 6 years old.

  • EE2: Omolaso Preschool and Childcare in 2021

  • EE3: Grant Ave Preschool in 2022

  • EE4: Infants in 2023

  • EE5: Toddlers in 2024

  • EE6: PDX in 2025

  • All locations are licensed-certified family childcare and preschool programs.

Mrs. Ibrahim draws from her experience in early childhood education and home-based child care management to deliver practical and comprehensive professional development training and workforce development programs. 

Mrs. Ibrahim’s Leadership in Early Education

Grant Success & Partnerships:

Through Education Explorers, Mrs. Ibrahim has secured and managed multiple grants and agency partnerships, including:

  • Funds 22 subsidized slots for part-time preschool in two Washington County programs.

  • Launched a Kindergarten Transition Program for children without prior early education and added a Parent Education & Interaction Program for infant-toddler classrooms.

  • Expanded access to high-quality early education, reduced disciplinary disparities, and hosted culturally significant community events for Black families in Washington County.

Professional Expertise:

With a background in early childhood education and home-based childcare management, Mrs. Ibrahim designs practical, comprehensive training programs for educators and workforce development.

Get started with Home Childcare Essencials, today.