Dreaming big
Nick Terrones, the newly appointed Director of Community Relations at Rainier Valley Early Learning Campus (RVELC), steps into his role with a vision ignited by the progressive Reggio Emilia Approach. This philosophy, rooted in empowering children through exploration and interaction, resonates deeply with Terrones, who brings a wealth of experience as an early childhood educator at Hilltop Children's Center and as the former Director of Daybreak Star Preschool.
RVELC, a collaborative project between the University of Washington College of Education and local partners, is poised to become a pivotal early learning center at the Mt. Baker LINK station. Scheduled to open in 2027, this initiative is a major stride toward creating an inclusive educational environment that connects families, educators, and the community. The project is currently in a key phase: the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a Request for Proposals (RFP) in Fall 2023 to select primary developers, integrating RVELC into the broader development plans.
As Terrones immerses himself in the vibrant community of RVELC, he envisions it as more than just an educational facility. He sees it as a dynamic hub where children, families, educators, and the broader community come together to foster a nurturing environment. “What excites me about RVELC is how it brings the community together,” he explains, highlighting his commitment to inclusive education and his belief that every child's voice should be valued in shaping their educational journey.
Central to his mission is dismantling systemic barriers within education, with the goal of establishing RVELC as a “lighthouse” of inclusive practices. When asked about the importance of this mission, he responds passionately, “Investing in early learning is incredibly rewarding and important. We need more advocates to support policymakers and drive change, fostering genuine and transparent communication with the University of Washington, the community, and beyond.”
Charting Equity and Innovation at RVELC
Though new to his role, Terrones has already begun making changes. He has initiated open dialogue through community listening posts and virtual meetings, ensuring RVELC is responsive to the diverse needs of its stakeholders. Drawing from insights gained from community members in Rainier Valley, he believes deeply in the power of community collaboration to bring about transformative change, including reshaping educational norms at RVELC.
His commitment to listening to the community has already translated into tangible actions, such as rebranding the school into a “studio school,” a decision influenced directly by the experiences and feedback of Rainier Valley residents. This departure from the traditional “lab school” model acknowledges the historical impact of educational approaches in underserved communities. It aims to create a vibrant learning environment where exploration and creativity are paramount, nurturing each child's unique talents and potential. Terrones' vision is to prepare young learners not just for academics but to thrive in an interconnected world, fostering inclusivity and embracing innovative practices along the way.
In this light, Terrones also views RVELC as a cornerstone of opportunity and representation. “You know, if we think of education as preparing children for school readiness, that's not going to encompass their entire lives,” he reflects, highlighting his broader vision. “There are educational philosophers who see the purpose of education as creating informed citizens, understanding what it means to live in this country, especially in today's world where information and connections with others are easily accessible.'
“So, I believe RVELC serves as a source of possibility, aiming to strengthen and diversify the early childhood workforce."
He emphasizes the importance of early exposure to the diversity of human experience—across race, culture, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, and more. “Our species is incredibly diverse, and it's important for children to have meaningful interactions with a wide range of people,” Terrones says, drawing parallels to the emphasis on math and literacy experiences in education. “So, I believe RVELC serves as a source of possibility, aiming to strengthen and diversify the early childhood workforce,” he continues.
He is particularly passionate about ensuring that RVELC emphasizes to young men and young men of color that early childhood education is inclusive and accessible to them as well, addressing historical disparities. He explains, “Historically, it's been predominantly women, particularly white women, leading in this field, which doesn't reflect the diversity of our world.” Terrones underscores the necessity of diverse role models in shaping educational aspirations, aligning his goals with inclusive practices and community engagement.
It takes a village to raise a child
Looking forward, Terrones firmly believes that “it takes a village to raise a child,” stressing our collective responsibility in shaping a better future. He envisions RVELC as a place that expands access to education and promotes lifelong learning. For him, investing in children today means investing in a brighter tomorrow for all.
He advocates for a holistic educational experience that fosters the individual potential of every child. As an educator and collaborative leader, his goal is for RVELC to shine as an example of educational excellence and community empowerment, inspiring positive change well beyond its walls.
Although much work lies ahead, he is excited to continue dreaming big for RVELC.
