At our center, children learn to feel proud of who they are and where they come from. Our culturally relevant curriculum also builds children’s self esteem and confidence, by being inclusive of and celebrating their backgrounds and differences.

ourBRIDGE provides the time, space, and resources for our students and their families to share and celebrate their cultures and traditions. We know that diversity becomes inclusion when we put in the effort. Every day we make the effort to promote and celebrate our diversity. Examples include our cooking club where children cook recipes from all over the world, our books being culturally representative of our students, and a staff that is reflective of our students’ identities.

The ourBRIDGE approach is one of cultural humility, in which we actively work towards growth in understanding others and their identities. We know that a community that values multiculturalism, pluralism, and inclusion creates a fabric that is strong, innovative, and responsive to the needs of our community .

Using a child-centered and trauma-informed approach to care, ourBRIDGE recognizes that immigrant and refugee children have an array of life experiences that can impact their development.

Coaching and professional development is provided to staff to teach research-based strategies, such as CTRT (Child-Teacher Relationships Training) skills to implement in ourBRIDGE classrooms. Through this training, our Classroom Facilitators learn to respond to the emotions and behaviors of students with understanding, nonjudgement, and holistic approaches.

At ourBRIDGE, our students benefit from a range of services, including homework help, one-on-one and small group literacy tutoring, crucial free play, and active participation in a culturally-responsive STEAM curriculum. Our unique curriculum was designed in-house to provide students opportunities to express themselves through art and projects while simultaneously enhancing their English proficiency and celebrating their cultural heritage. Our curriculum aligns with the NC Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and National Core Art Standards, and it also includes enriching field trips and experiential learning opportunities.