About Al Amana Childcare
Al-Amana Childcare was founded on a personal mission to provide exceptional childcare services, inspired by the founder's own experiences in searching for a safe, educational, and nurturing environment for her children, where diverse family engagement is encouraged and a holistic childcare approach is prioritized.
About Our Team
Meet Fatiya Usso, Founder
I’m Fatiya Usso, the proud owner and founder of Al-Amana Childcare in SW Portland, OR. My journey into early childhood education began more than 16 years ago, driven by a deep love for working with children and a passion for nurturing their growth in a safe and inclusive environment. As an immigrant, I understand firsthand how important it is for families to feel seen, understood, and celebrated—values that are at the heart of everything we do at Al-Amana.
Throughout my career, I’ve been privileged to work with children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These experiences taught me that every child brings a unique story, and that learning is most meaningful when it respects and honors their individual identity. I founded Al-Amana Childcare to create a space where children from all walks of life can thrive, and where families—especially Black, Indigenous, and Families of Color—feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated.
My approach to early childhood education combines structure, creativity, and cultural responsiveness. I design age-appropriate activities that foster curiosity, creativity, social-emotional development, and physical growth, while ensuring every child feels seen and valued. Beyond daily lessons, I actively involve families in their child’s learning journey, celebrating their languages, traditions, and cultural practices. By integrating these elements, we create a truly inclusive learning environment that reflects the diversity of the community around us.
At Al-Amana, our commitment extends beyond children. I believe that supported, well-trained educators create the best outcomes for kids. That’s why I prioritize staff well-being, providing ongoing professional development, cultural competence training, mental health resources, and a positive, collaborative work environment. When our educators feel valued and empowered, it shows in the care and attention they give to each child.
I have also dedicated myself to continuous learning, earning an Early Childhood Education degree and completing extensive training in CPR/First Aid, child abuse prevention, and specialized care for children with unique needs. These qualifications allow me to maintain the highest standards of safety, education, and care, ensuring that every child in our program has the best possible start in life.
What drives me most is seeing children grow, explore, and discover their potential. Every smile, milestone, and moment of curiosity reminds me why I do this work. At Al-Amana Childcare, we create more than just a learning environment—we build a community of trust, respect, and belonging, where children feel safe to be themselves, families feel supported, and educators are inspired to give their best every day.
Hanan Mukhtar
Hanan Mukhtar is a dedicated childcare professional and second teacher aide at Al-Amana Childcare. As the oldest daughter in her family, she naturally embraced a leadership role from a young age, supporting her siblings and younger relatives with patience, responsibility, and care. These early experiences fostered her passion for working with children and helping them grow in safe, nurturing environments where they feel supported and valued.
For over three years, Hanan has volunteered at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, where she supports children and families as part of the volunteer team. She has also gained hands-on experience assisting with daily operations at Al-Amana Childcare, working closely with preschool-aged children and supporting their social, emotional, and developmental growth. She especially enjoys building meaningful connections with children and contributing to positive learning experiences.
Currently pursuing a degree in nursing, Hanan brings a strong understanding of child health, safety, and development to her role. She has completed all required Early Learning Division trainings, including TSCPR certification, a Food Handler card, and mandatory childcare coursework. Hanan is committed to contributing to a positive, nurturing, and enriching environment where every child feels safe, encouraged, and supported in their early learning journey.
Meet Asiya
Asiya is a dedicated Child Care Provider with over five years of professional childcare experience, primarily supporting preschool-aged children in classroom settings. She has worked in supportive roles within preschool environments, helping children reach important developmental, social, and emotional milestones during these foundational early years.
Asiya is committed to providing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence. She believes the preschool years are critical for building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and strives to create a safe, structured, and engaging environment where children feel valued, respected, and encouraged to explore.
Her professional experience is complemented by years of hands-on caregiving and child development coursework, strengthening her understanding of early learning, positive guidance strategies, and age-appropriate support. Asiya maintains current CPR, First Aid, and mandated reporter certifications and participates in ongoing professional development, including cultural responsiveness and trauma-informed care. She is proud to be part of the Al-Amana Childcare team and values building strong, trusting partnerships with families to support each child’s growth and success.