“Kiota” means nest in Kiswahili. We are a safe, nurturing space where early learners and families learn, grow, and flourish.
Located in Rockdale County, GA and serving the surrounding communities, The Kiota Center for Early Learning and Family Empowerment (Kiota) was founded to holistically address the affects of trauma on early learners ages zero to eight (8) and their families.
Our mission is to raise awareness of these challenges and provide solutions to identify, address, support, and mitigate the effects of trauma on children, families, and their extended networks.
Meaning “nest” in Kiswahili, Kiota represents a safe, supportive foundation where children and families can heal and grow. Through a two-generational (2Gen) approach and trauma-informed, culturally affirming practices, we empower families, strengthen communities, and improve outcomes for our most vulnerable learners.
“Behavior is the language of trauma. Children will show you before they tell you that they are in distress.”
Kiota’s priority is ensuring early learners who have experienced trauma have access to trauma-informed, culturally affirming care and
high-quality early learning opportunities. with particular emphasis on underserved Black and Brown communities.
“We must create environments where children feel safe to rebuild
what trauma has disrupted.” – Alice Walker
Kiota provides direct services to address the effects of trauma in young children, offering developmental screenings, access to high-quality early learning experiences, and culturally affirming practices. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that children ages 0-8 receive the support they need to heal, grow, and build a strong developmental foundation. By integrating evidence-based practices with culturally responsive care, including bi-lingual services, we meet children where they are and honor their individual experiences.
“The brain is a social organ, shaped by relationships and experiences. To heal trauma, we must nurture safe and supportive connections.”
– Dr. Bruce Perry
Children flourish in supportive, nurturing environments. Kiota works alongside parents and caregivers to build strong, supportive networks that uplift and empower. Parents and caregivers receive the skills and resources they need to support their child’s development while addressing their own growth and wellness. From reentry programs to parenting workshops, we provide practical tools, compassionate guidance, and access to resources that strengthen families. By partnering with families, we strive to create opportunities for healing and deeper connection, ensuring that children grow in stable and nurturing environments.
“Early learning thrives within communities that value each child.”
-Audre Lorde
Kiota is committed to advancing policies and practices that prioritize the needs of early learners and their families. We amplify voices within our community to advocate for equitable access to quality education, childcare, and family support systems. Through strategic partnerships and grassroots outreach, we work to create systemic change, ensuring that trauma-informed care and early learning remain a priority at all levels. Our outreach and advocacy efforts happen through a collaborative network of educators, service providers, community organizations focused on addressing systemic challenges in early learning and family support.
“Adverse childhood experiences are the single greatest unaddressed public health threat. Early intervention is key to changing the trajectory of brain development.”
Approximately 26% of children in the U.S. experience or witness a traumatic event before the age of four (4).
Nearly 60% of Black children have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) by age
eight (8).
Approximately 46.3% of children aged
0–17 have experienced at least one ACE, and 21.7% having experienced two or more.
“Trauma is healed in the presence of love.“
Starting with the child, Kiota’s programming addresses
the interconnected needs of early learners, their caregivers,
as well as the broader early childhood education ecosystem.
Our programs include high-quality early learning opportunities such as guided playgroups, developmental screenings, and mental health supports. We provide access to trauma-informed, equitable, and culturally affirming practices that support children’s holistic development.
“We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society,
a life free of violence and fear.”
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Our partners are pioneers in transforming the landscape of early learning and child development.
Kiota works to promote and support the best practices of these organizations.
P.O. Box 82026
Conyers, GA 30094
Phone | 470.398.1400
Email | [email protected]
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Copyright 2025 | All Rights Reserved | The Kiota Center Inc.