Early Childhood (Preschool and Kindergarten)

At The College School, we embrace the Reggio Emilia philosophy as a guiding principle in our approach to education. Originating in the town of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy, this innovative educational philosophy has gained international recognition for its child-centered focus, emphasis on collaboration, and belief in the competence and creativity of every child. TCS has been inspired by this approach since 1992.

What is the Reggio Emilia Philosophy?

The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education is based on the following fundamental principles:

Child as the protagonist
Children are seen as competent, capable, and full of potential. They are active participants in their own learning journey and have the right to express themselves in a variety of ways.

Teacher as a facilitator
Educators in the Reggio Emilia approach act as facilitators of learning rather than instructors. They observe and listen to children, provoking their thinking, guiding their exploration, and supporting their inquiries.

Environment as the third teacher
The learning environment plays a crucial role in the educational experience of children. Reggio-inspired classrooms are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, engaging, and reflective of the children’s interests and experiences.

Documentation as communication
Documentation of children’s learning processes is an integral part of the Reggio Emilia approach. It serves as a means of making children’s thinking visible, allowing for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration among children, educators, and parents.

Benefits of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy for Children

Encourages Creativity and Critical Thinking
By providing children with opportunities for open-ended exploration and inquiry, the Reggio Emilia approach fosters creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills.

Promotes Collaboration and Communication
Through collaborative projects and group discussions, children learn to work together, share ideas, and communicate effectively with their peers and teachers.

Respects Each Child’s Unique Abilities and Learning Style
The Reggio Emilia approach recognizes and celebrates the diverse strengths, interests, and learning styles of each child, allowing for personalized and differentiated instruction.

Fosters a Lifelong Love of Learning
By nurturing children’s natural curiosity and passion for discovery, the Reggio Emilia approach instills in them a lifelong love of learning and a sense of wonder about the world around them.

Prepares Children for Success in a Complex World
In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate effectively are essential skills for success. The Reggio Emilia approach equips children with these skills, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and resilience.

At The College School, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Through our innovative curriculum, dedicated educators, and supportive community, we strive to ignite a lifelong passion for learning in every child and empower them to reach their full potential.

Congratulations to our Atelierista, Sarah Hassing!

Early Childhood Atelierista Sarah Hassing recently collaborated with peers across the country to publish an article about the atelier as a unique space in Reggio inspired programs. Click here to read the published article and see page 15 for Sarah’s authored section. The article is courtesy of Innovations in Early Education: The International Reggio Emilia Exchange, 31,1, Spring 2024, published by NAREA (North American Reggio Emilia Alliance).

Atelier is the French word for art studio. At The College School, our Atelier serves the artistic hub for children’s experiences. Our Atelier is equipped with infinite resources that are used by all the children and adults. A vital part of every Reggio Emilia program, the atelier contains a wide range of media and materials that foster creativity and learning through exploration, creation, cognition, and reflection. The College School Atelier is equipped with easels, paints, drawing materials, clay, wire, collage objects, and a multitude of natural and recycled materials.