About | Washington Community-Based Education

About us

The Washington Community-Based Education Center is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization based in Federal Way, WA, dedicated to advancing early childhood education. Our specialized preschool program features a half-day model designed to foster child development through language, literacy, culture, and community engagement.

We implement an evidence-based early learning curriculum with a strong emphasis on a global learning approach, supporting diverse learning styles and empowering preschool children as they prepare for public education while supporting home language development, literacy, and cultural awareness in a nurturing environment.

By maintaining a low teacher-to-child ratio (1:8 ), we ensure each child receives individualized attention and support. Our curriculum encourages curiosity and growth, empowering young learners with the skills and mindset needed to become transformational leaders in a globalized world.

Vision Statement

We envision a world where every child grows with pride in their home language and culture while gaining the academic skills to thrive. By bridging families, communities, and educators, we strive to create learning spaces rooted in belonging and to build a path toward higher social, educational, and economic mobility.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a high-quality preschool program that celebrates the diverse languages and cultures of every child and family. While instruction is delivered in English, we actively support and uplift children’s home languages through meaningful partnerships with families, community members, and the use of technology. We are committed to fostering language justice by ensuring that all children feel seen, valued, and empowered in their learning journey.

Curriculum inspiration

"Culturally relevant pedagogy" by Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings

"Translanguaging pedagogy" by Dr. Ofelia Garcia

"Global citizenship and peace education" by UNESCO

Meet our board members

OUR BOARD MEMBER

Founder

Mercy Naw-Khin

Mercy Naw-Khin is the founder of the Washington Community-Based Education Center (WACBEDU). With a deep interest in how language, literacy, and culture influence individual identity, economic status and societal dynamics, she established WACBEC to address these critical areas. Her extensive professional background in Early Childhood Education work within faith-based organizations, the public education system, and various federal and state grant programs providing her with a comprehensive understanding of educational systems and community development. Motivated by a strong commitment to community empowerment, Mercy has successfully transformed her vision into reality, creating a center that is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of young learners starting from multi-lingual low child to teacher ratio Early Childhood Education program.

Director

Diana Khin

Diana Khin is a retired Treasury professional with an accomplished career at the World Bank Treasurey, where she specialized in international banking, payments and settlement operations, asset management, and compliance. With decades of global financial expertise, she brings deep knowledge of governance, fiscal responsibility, and operational excellence to her board service. Beyond her professional career, she has been a dedicated advocate for children's development and education, a cause she has championed throughout her life. She is passionate about creating opportunities that empower children to thrive and succeed. Outside of her professional and community work, she enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with her family.

Treasurer

Melody Mociulski

Melody is an author, humanitarian, and procurement professional with a passion for empowering women and girls with education and literacy.

After retiring from City of Seattle in 2004, Melody’s career in international development unfolded. As Southeast Asia Program Director for a local non-profit organization that provided assistance to landmine/UXO survivors, she mentored community-based organizations in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia as they worked to train injured accident survivors in new income-generating endeavors. Through this role, Melody reconnected with Burma, first visited in 1974.

An active believer in the power of education to transform lives, she knew that she wanted to give women and girls in Burma dignity and the power to move forward in their lives with confidence. Melody founded Educational Empowerment, a 501(c)3 non-profit, in 2012. Through development and publishing of ethnic folktale books, children across the country experienced their first-ever picture book. A new elementary school in the cyclone ravaged Delta region created access to education previously unavailable. A microfinance program outside Bago empowered women to start small businesses and become self-reliant. And teaching young women in Myitkyina critical thinking skills and technology enabled them to attain professional jobs and solve everyday problems. In 2024 Melody published her book Intrepid Paths Burma which makes visible undocumented everyday experiences that shape the lives of ordinary Burmese women.

Melody is excited to support Washington Community-Based Education with its valuable mission of empowering young learners with the skills and education they need to stand tall with confidence.

Our Advisory Board

Action. Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Dr. Haydeé Marie Rodríguez

University of Washington

Dr. Haydeé Marie Rodríguez is a Teaching Associate in the College of Education at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. She retired from The University of Texas at Austin where she was a Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Bilingual/Bicultural Teacher Preparation Program where she developed and taught numerous courses in the Professional Development Sequence. Her research interests focus on teacher identity as it relates to cultural and linguistic intersectionality and how these impact their learning and teaching.

Renita Linear

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Renita Linear brings extensive experience to the field of early childhood education, having served as a director for many years. Currently, she is a dedicated licensor for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, ensuring that quality standards are in early learning environments. Her commitment to fostering development and supporting educators makes her a asset in the field.