The Reggio Emilia approach to Early Learning

The Reggio Emilia approach is an innovative, child-centered philosophy grounded in the belief that children are naturally driven to explore and understand the world around them. It transforms children into active participants in their learning through an inquiry-centered environment.

This approach places great value on uninterrupted play, especially while outdoors and while engaged in the creative arts. Through artistic expression and organic outdoor play, children reveal their interests, offering valuable insights into what concepts they grappling with.

Child observing a flower and drawing it
3D illustration of a blue triangle character with legs and eyes that is jumping up and down
Children's building blocks inspired by CN Tower
A beautiful mess of watercolor concentrate absorbed into a piece of linen that is held up by the child artist
Another beautiful paint mess featuring a child's hands
A joyful little boy running through a sprinkler in the backyard
Child's self portrait with loose parts
Close-up of a child holding two monarch butterflies on their hand.
Children playing with a light table covered in purple and red translucent fabric and geometric shapes.
Child in blue rain jacket painting with blue paint on clear surface outdoors during a rainy day
Child wearing winter clothing standing on crates in a snowy backyard with a small basketball hoop, tricycle, and snow-covered tree.
Child wearing a blue jacket playing with clay and water on a tray, surrounded by small stones and shells.

Reggio Emilia Principles

  • A woman and a young girl sitting together on cushions, smiling and holding open children's books. The woman has long, curly hair and is wearing a striped sweater. The girl has her hand in her hair, smiling joyfully.

    A Foundation in Relationships

    The Reggio Emilia approach fosters meaningful learning through strong, trusting relationships. It values collaboration among educators, children, families, and the community, recognizing these connections as essential to a rich, supportive learning environment

  • Colorful hanging art installation with prisms and mirrors

    Thoughtfully Curated Spaces

    A Reggio-inspired classroom meets each child at their developmental stage while fostering growth. Thoughtfully chosen materials spark engagement, allowing children the time and space to experiment, create, innovate, and problem-solve.

  • Children sitting at a wooden picnic table outdoors, wearing summer clothes and hats, with a wooden fence and plants in the background. One child is examining a flower or vegetable from the garden.

    Fostering a Love for Learning

    Reggio educators are lifelong learners, inspiring a love for learning by exploring alongside children. As educator-researchers, they document children's interests to shape engaging classrooms and activities, instilling confidence and valuing each child's ideas and abilities.

Watch Sir Ken Robinson’s Talk "Why Creativity Matters in Education"
Founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, Loris Malaguzzi

The Story Behind Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach originated in the northern Italian region of Reggio Emilia after World War II. Led by educator Loris Malaguzzi and a group of parents, they sought to create an educational model that respects children as valuable members of society with limitless potential.

Over time, it has gained global recognition, with research indicating that children in Reggio Emilia-inspired programs consistently demonstrate higher levels of creativity, problem-solving skills, and social collaboration compared to traditional educational approaches.