Meet Mrs. Zee
Founder & Executive Director, Explorer Learning Academy
Welcome to Explorer Learning Academy (ELA). I'm Mrs. Zakkiyya Ibrahim, affectionately known as “Mrs. Zee.” As a mother of five and a dedicated early childhood educator, I founded this center to create nurturing, culturally responsive learning environments for children from infancy through preschool. Since 2017, my work has centered around building spaces where children are celebrated, families are empowered, and high-quality care honors the diverse cultural roots of our community.
My journey began in Delhi, Louisiana, a close-knit community where family and resilience are paramount. In 2015, my husband and I moved to Oregon, seeking opportunities for our growing family. Once here, I quickly recognized a critical gap: the lack of high-quality, culturally affirming childcare options—especially for Black and Brown families. That realization ignited my mission to create licensed, home-based programs that center love, culture, and excellence in early learning across Washington and Multnomah Counties in the communities we call home.
Credentials That Shape the Vision
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a focus in Family Life and Early Childhood Development from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I also earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Ball State University, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis with an emphasis on Autism.
As a certified Master Trainer and a Step 11 on Oregon’s Early Learning Division Registry, I leverage my expertise to mentor early childhood professionals in developmentally sound and culturally grounded practices.
A Vision Beyond the Classroom
Explorer Learning Academy is more than a childcare program—it is a movement to reimagine early childhood education through a lens of equity, whole-child development, and a strong academic foundation. We proudly serve children of all abilities in environments that are sensory-friendly, nature-rich, and deeply intentional. Our programs are designed to offer no-cost preschool through Preschool for All (PFA)—pending approval—and infant and toddler care supported by the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) assistance program.
At ELA, we believe that early education is a collaborative journey between educators and families. Our team is committed to nurturing curiosity, fostering independence, and building confident, critical thinkers who are prepared to succeed in school and in life.
Whether you're a parent seeking a nurturing, high-quality preschool, or a grantmaking organization aligned with our mission, I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we are cultivating brilliance in every child.
