RAZE Early Learning and Development Center

Black excellence, ingenuity, and pride in country is found throughout our shared history and should be taught in the curriculum that is presented in preschool and toddler classrooms. At Raze Early Learning and Development Center, create curriculum that is holistic in its approach to building the necessary skills to learn, retain and implement what is being taught on a day to day basis. We believe that curriculum should be designed to meet the individual need of the students. Curriculum should have a balance of activities that support social/emotional growth, physical exploration as well as create a solid academic foundation in preparation for kindergarten. It is our belief that education is something that should be experienced rather than just received through a lecture or book. A child’s personal learning style, large and small group activities, instructional time as well as real life application are all apart of what we consider when creating daily curriculum.

Why a Black American Inspired Program In 2019 the Washington Department of commerce conducted a study that found that Black American students in Spokane were some of the most underserved in Washington, as it pertains to early childhood education. As a result a committee of community members set out to better understand how to meet the need in Spokane. The result of our research is the key to eradicating bias’ that perpetuate the preschool to prison pipeline. Raze is the modality our community will use to address inequalities and disparities around education and health. The solution to closing the achievement gap and dismantling the preschool to prison pipeline in Spokane is early learning programming that highlights our shared experiences and is created through the lens of the Black American. Raze Early Learning and Development Center will have two facilities in neighborhoods in Spokane considered childcare deserts. These two facilities will add 180 new childcare slots birth through 12 years old as well as 35 evening care slots with capacity to expand depending on community need.