Program

The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education deeply inspires us as Educators. The following are some of the key components of the approach to education.

The Hundred Languages:

• Children express themselves in a multitude of ways through various processes.
• Children and Educators are co-constructors of knowledge
• Materials and access to open-ended materials support the thinking and theories of both the adult and child.
• Documentation is essential for reflection and projection.
• The environment plays a significant role in fostering creativity and innovation.

Our goal in embracing this approach to education is to foster innovation, creativity, and relationships amongst and with our youngest citizens.

Understanding brain development is invaluable to us as a school culture. Children’s brains are growing rapidly. As Educators, we strive to understand best how children’s brains develop and what we can do to support their social and emotional well-being, while building the basics for a solid social and emotional foundation. We use the latest research from Harvard’s Center for the Developing Child to inform our practices and various community partners. Here are a few of the key areas we focus on at our school.

• Imagination
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Independence
• Resilience

Nature has much to offer, and we firmly believe in being connected to nature to support children’s growth and development. Here are some ways nature supports children’s growth and development.

• Developing confidence to try new things
• Supporting imagination and creativity
• Supporting physical development and well-being
• Supporting their knowledge of plants and animals

All of our work is based on Developmentally Appropriate Practices as defined by NAEYC. Here are some of the areas guided by our use of DAP.

• Curriculum
• Assessments
• Partnerships with families
• Fostering equity
• Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator

We consistently use a variety of assessments and evaluations to support the growth and development of our children. Every child has a unique developmental process. Using various assessments and evaluations, we honor each child’s individuality. Here are some examples of assessments and evaluations.

• Notes and photography
• Portfolios
• Screening tools
• Formative and summative assessments
• Formal program logic models and external evaluations

Fostering healthy and safe environments is important to our work. Children are more successful in their growth and development in healthy and safe environments. Here are some of the ways in which we provide healthy and safe environments for our youngest learners.

• Creating environments that are respectful and nurturing environment for children.
• Annual training for staff on health and safety topics
• First Aid and CPR
• Safe Sleep Practices
• Child Abuse and Neglect Detection and Prevention
• Ongoing professional development for Staff on topics such as brain development, classroom strategies, and mental health
• Maintaining a state-licensed center