For over 10 years, Nikolai Pizarro, has worked to empower predominantly Black and Brown parents and caregivers, particularly segments further marginalized by socioeconomic factors, with science based frameworks of early brain development, literacy instruction, non-violent discipline, and self-directed education. Her book, Ring the Alarm, has been used by programs sponsored by Brooklyn Kindergarten Society and the Department of Health. She has facilitated workshops at hundreds of preschools and private early childhood centers, including over 300 Early Start and Head Start Centers. 

 

Over the past 8 years, as her own unschooling journey with her son has unfolded, her work has increasingly included private and small group coaching and collaboration with families looking to transition from conventional schooling to self-directed models and just as importantly, a commitment to reconnect with our assignment to children rather than the school system, curriculum, values, and metrics. "This work is bigger than where and how children do school. This work is in defense of childhood and our divine assignment to center humanity and belonging. " she shares. 

 

As a response to the collective disconnection throughout the covid pandemic, she started the facebook group BIPOC-led Homeschooling & Communities of Care SUPPORT, for BIPOC families and co-conspirators committed to Black and Brown liberation with now over 3,000 members, a free community text line, 404-737-1065, which reminds parents to center humanity at home, an early literacy system (The Foundation Bag),  and has initiated a project to turn her own home into a self-directed, forest school and permaculture, mixed age co-op.

 

She is also the creator of a free adaptable arts-ed curriculum, B.A.E. Black Art Excursion, consultant with Anahsa Consulting, and a certified Forest School Director.

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Nikolai Pizarro, @raisingreaders 

Mother | Author | Educator | Consultant | Advocate 

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