Zeno

Zeno has an established track record of working in a educational spaces where racial equity is THE key lever for change. We start with honoring the agency, dignity, and inherent strengths of Black Indigenous, and communities of color. By work to ensure that race is not a factor in the acquisition of math skills and the development of loving to learn.Zeno develops a love of math between and among very young children (3-5y/o), families, and early childhood providers through play and family engagement. Our work amplifies math learning and identity across race, place, linguistic, and culturally specific identities and development. We do this by:Starting EarlyMath at the highest levels of academic pursuit is more than computation. Its a language and a way of thinking, and just like language its easiest to acquire while young. Including FamiliesWe believe that parenting adults are a childs first and most influential teacher, and we know that culturally responsive engagement with families is critical when you are working with families from diverse communities.Working with PartnersZeno honors community experiences and works closely with partners that have long-standing community relationships. We know that working with community partners is the most effective and efficient approach to reach the most families. Centering Racial EquityWe all share a common duty to dismantle the racism within our institutions, policies, and beliefs that prevent our society from advancing as an equitable nation. All of our work from program and game design to our staff and board considers the impact of race, place, language, and culture.Making Math Fun Research emphasizes play because it encourages children to take an active role in their learning. Play is the work of childhood. Zeno designed games provide the inspiration and easy connection to foundational math concepts. The games create structure, focus and engagement opportunities for children with their parenting adults.Zeno developed and piloted our first Family MathWays program reaching 250 families in Seattle in 2016 and we grew to reach 4,600 families across 11 counties in Washington in our 2021-2022 program year.