The early childhood educational system of the municipality of Reggio Emilia, Italy, provides the inspiration and principles upon which the Center is built.
- The Image of the Child
Children are viewed as competent, curious, full of knowledge, potential, and interested in connecting to the world around them. - Teachers as Partners
Teachers are viewed as facilitators of children’s learning experiences. As partners, they listen, document, challenge, and organize children’s learning in a collaborative relationship with other colleagues. - An Emergent Learning Process
Ideas are shared, work is exchanged and opportunities are created to extend and build upon theories that are uncovered. In this way of working, projects may occur which last days or months. - The Role of Parents
Parents are an essential component of the school. They are an active part of their children’s learning experiences and help to ensure the welfare of all the children in the school. - The Role of the Environment
Through the conscious use of space, color, light, displays of children’s work, and attention to nature and detail, the environment serves as another teacher. - Many Languages
Children act on a variety of materials: clay, wire, drawing media, paper, and so on. They learn the ABC’s of each material which they use to express their ideas, theories and feelings about the world in which they live. - The Three Subjects of Education
Children, parents and teachers have rights; the right to safety, care and welfare, the right to be involved and the right to grow professionally. - Collaboration and Interaction
Children, parent and teacher collaboration and interaction at all levels makes everything possible. - Documentation
The learning process between children and teachers is captured, made visible and then shared in order to support wondering, researching and learning among teachers and children. - Time
Time is influenced by the interests and activities that the children bring to life within the school. This in turn impacts schedules, groupings and routines.
