WHY WE DO THISWe built the place we wished existed.
Global Early Learning started with a simple question: what if families didn't have to choose between warm, relationship-driven care and a rigorous early learning experience?
We're a home-based child care and preschool where children learn through nature, play, and real connection — guided by educators who know each child by name, by personality, and by what lights them up. Our space is designed to feel like the best kind of home: safe, calm, intentional, and full of wonder.
Here, a morning might begin with hands in garden soil and end with a conversation about galaxies. There are no fluorescent-lit hallways, no rigid scripts, and no one-size-fits-all approaches. Just thoughtful care, built around how children actually learn.
Abra Zink
Owner
Maggie Lockinger
Owner
Meet Abra
Families deserve a provider who sees their child as an individual and shows up for them every single day, and that is exactly what Abra has spent more than two decades doing. Since opening Global Early Learning four years ago, she brings warmth, intentionality, and a deep sense of purpose to her work with children and families of all backgrounds and needs.
She has spent her career building the kind of program she always believed children deserved, one where diverse needs are not just accommodated but genuinely embraced. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and is currently pursuing her master's degree at the University of Washington, because advocating for young children and the educators who serve them is just part of who she is.
As an educator and a parent to her teenage son Abbot, she knows firsthand how much the early years matter. Outside of her program you will find her outdoors, lost in a good book, or spending time with family.
Meet Maggie
Families deserve more than a choice between safe care and high-quality care, and Maggie built Global Early Learning South because she believes they should never have to compromise on either. With nearly 16 years of experience in early childhood education, she creates a space that is intentional, warm, and built around how children actually learn.
Her approach is rooted in real relationships, consistent communication, and the belief that every family deserves a provider they can truly trust. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and is currently pursuing her master's degree at the University of Washington, because she believes the field deserves educators who never stop advocating for it.
She is a proud mom to her teenage son William, and the moments she treasures most are the simple ones, time with family, cheering him on, and being outside.
Meet our team
We know choosing care for your child is one of the biggest decisions a parent can make. That’s why we prioritize experienced, trusted educators and thorough background checks for every team member.
The Toddler Team
Jon-E
4 years Global Team | 12 years experience
Enjoys bringing art, music, and storytime to life with the kids.
Melanie
2 years Global Team | 3 years experience
Loves dancing and exploring the sensory table with the children.
The Pre-K Team
Christie
4 years Global Team | 30 years experience
Favorites are energetic play and storytime with the children.
Sandy
2 years Global Team | 3 years experience
Enjoys exploring all types of art projects with the kids.
Margaret
4 years Global Team | 30 years experience
Happiest when playing playdough alongside the children.
Your child’s safety is our top priority
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We operate as a licensed home daycare and are committed to maintaining the health, safety, and operational standards families should expect from a trusted childcare environment.
Programs meet or exceed state licensing standards, and we actively collaborate with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. This system helps us identify opportunities for growth while maintaining the trust of the families we serve.
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Your child’s safety comes first. We maintain current CPR and first aid training and have clear emergency procedures in place so we are prepared to respond quickly and confidently when it matters most.
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Our space is thoughtfully designed with children’s safety in mind, from daily supervision and childproofing to age-appropriate materials and routines that help every child feel safe and supported.
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We follow strong daily health and hygiene practices, including cleaning routines, handwashing, and clear illness policies, to help create a healthy environment for every child in our care.
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Safety is not only physical — it is emotional, too. We believe children learn best when they feel secure, valued, and deeply cared for, and we work every day to create that kind of environment.
What matters to us
Rooted in education
Abra and Maggie share a deep commitment to learning. After completing their bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education together, they have continued to invest in their growth through professional development and conferences led by top voices in the field. Their approach is grounded in the belief that great educators never stop learning.
Child-centered, nature-inspired learning
Our child-centered, nature-inspired approach encourages children to take an active role in their own learning. We thoughtfully balance child-led exploration with teacher-guided activities, adapting to each child’s interests and stage of development while using monthly themes to provide gentle structure. We believe nature is an essential part of early learning, so we create meaningful opportunities for children to explore, discover, and connect with the world around them through hands-on experiences both indoors and outside.
A connected family community
At Global Early Learning, families are an essential part of the experience. We do our best to connect families through quarterly events and smaller moments of connection throughout the year. From trunk-or-treats and movie nights to special outings and holiday performances, they create a warm, connected community where families feel included, supported, and part of their child’s journey.
Advocates for quality care
Abra and Maggie’s passion for early childhood education extends far beyond the classroom. Abra and Maggie actively advocate for children, families, and providers by engaging with legislators at both the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C. Their work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening the future of high-quality care for the communities they serve.
FAQs
What’s the difference between daycare, childcare, and early learning?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, early learning reflects the heart of what we do best. Our program is about far more than supervision — it is thoughtful, nurturing care paired with meaningful learning experiences that support each child’s growth.
Early learning speaks to the full experience we aim to provide: a safe, trusted environment where children feel secure, supported, and encouraged to explore, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
What ages to Global Early Learning accept?
We offer care and education for children from 1 year to Kindergarten (approx. 5 years). We are have two programs — Toddler (1 through 3.5 years) and then Pre-K (3 to Kindergarten)
What are the operating hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early care may be available upon request, depending on space and availability.
We are closed on weekends, national holidays, and select additional holiday and break days. Families receive our full annual calendar at the beginning of each year.
How do I enroll my child at Global Early Learning?
We’re so glad you’re considering Global Early Learning for your family. The best place to start is by booking a tour or reaching out to us directly to learn more. You can also review the Toddler or Pre-K program pages you’re most interested in for additional details on age groups, schedule, and enrollment information.
Do you have a waitlist?
Availability can vary by program and age group. If a program is full, families may have the option to join a waitlist and be contacted when space becomes available.
What should my child bring each day?
You don’t need to bring much. Main things are typically change of clothes, diapers if needed, and any other personal items requested by the program. We share a full list with enrolled families.
We are ECEAP Providers.
At Global Early Learning, we believe high-quality early education should be accessible to families from many different backgrounds. We are proud to offer a limited number of spaces through Washington’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), a state-funded preschool program that supports early learning, school readiness, and family wellbeing for eligible children and families. Contact us if you would like to learn more.