About
Built on warmth, language, and play
Pikin Dem Academy was founded by Portland parents and educators who wanted childcare that honors home languages, treats families like partners, and lets kids be kids.
Our mission
To give every child a warm, multilingual start — and every family a place that feels like an extension of home.
Our team
Experienced caregivers and teachers from across Portland's communities. Speakers of Farsi, Spanish, Hindi, and English.
Our approach
Play-based learning, predictable routines, healthy food, and lots of outdoor time. We meet children where they are.
Our people
Meet our team
The caregivers, teachers, and leaders who make Pikin Dem feel like home for Portland families.
Amara Johnson
Founder & Director
Early childhood educator with 15+ years in Portland classrooms.
Nadia Okafor
Lead Preschool Teacher
Loves circle time, sensory play, and growing little readers.
Lucía Ramírez
Spanish Immersion Lead
Native Spanish speaker, certified in bilingual early education.
Roya Karimi
Infant Room Caregiver
Trained in infant CPR and Reggio-inspired infant care.
Licensed & certified in Oregon
Our centers are licensed by the Oregon Early Learning Division, and our family child care home is certified. We follow rigorous health, safety, and ratio standards.
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