The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based on an image of the child who is a strong, motivated, active participant in constructing knowledge who thrives within relationships with others. Teachers and students co-construct knowledge within the classroom environment, allowing the child to be an active participant in the process. The teacher guides, supports, and investigates with the children, allowing for provocation, exploration, and discovery. Children are capable of expressing themselves through “100 languages”, in endless ways, with the use of countless materials and through various modes of expression. The environment is seen as the third teacher, and is set up to inspire joyful learning and exploration.

Our Reggio Inspired classroom spaces offer beautiful materials for a child to express understanding through art work, through model making, through construction with blocks, through dramatic play, and through conversation and questioning.Teachers are thoughtful about what they set out for the children, and work to promote both collaborative and independent exploration within the classroom environment. Inquiries are based both on the interests of the children in the classroom, as well as on the goals and topics our teachers identify as being of value.

What is a Reggio Inspired Approach to educating young children?

• A strong belief that young children are thoughtful, capable, and competent.

• A belief that children learn by doing, and by being a part of the process.

• A deep respect for children’s thoughts and feelings.

• A focus on the process of learning, and the work that goes into this process.

• An understanding that play is the foundation of learning across developmental domains.

• The use of a wide range of materials and carefully planned out interest areas to encourage thoughtful exploration.

• A strong emphasis on the environment setting the stage for learning.

• A focus on the importance of the home-school relationship.