When looking for a preschool that truly follows the Reggio Emilia approach, it’s important to know what to look for. At Bucket House Preschool, we take pride in staying true to the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Here’s how you can distinguish a genuine Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool from others to ensure you’re choosing the right school for your child.
Child-Centered Learning Environment
Engaging Spaces: Look at the classrooms and outdoor areas. Are they inviting and stimulating? A true Reggio Emilia school uses natural materials and open-ended resources that encourage exploration and creativity. Are they organised in interconnected forms that foster interaction, autonomy, explorations, curiosity and communication?
Provocations: Check if the classroom setups are engaging and inviting for children. Provocations should be thoughtfully designed to capture children's interest and encourage them to engage, explore and create.
Atelier: Check for a dedicated space called an Atelier. This is where children can engage in artistic and creative inquiry projects, guided by a skilled Atelierista. The culture of the Atelier gives value to every child's ideas and knowledge, helping them keep the joy and confidence in learning, which is a creative process in itself.
Qualified and Passionate Educators
Training and Credentials: Ask about the educators' qualifications and training. They should have specific training in the Reggio Emilia approach and continue to receive professional development.
Teacher-Child Interaction: Observe how educators interact with children. Are the dialogues and communication respectful? Do the educators ask open-ended questions that supports each child's individual learning path?
Use of Real Tools: Check if educators encourage the use of real tools in a safe and supervised environment. This practice helps children develop practical skills, confidence and responsibility.
Documentation and Communication
Visible Documentation: Look around the school for displays of children’s work, photographs, and learning stories. Does it make visible the creative knowledge-building processes of children and adults? The documentation should make explicit and give value to the learning process and helps both children and adult reflect on their experiences.
Parent Communication: Find out how the school communicates with parents about their child’s progress. Are there opportunities for parents to participate?
Collaborative and Community-Oriented Approach
Parental Involvement: A true Reggio Emilia school will encourage parents to participate in classroom activities, projects, and events. This partnership is key to the approach. Through involvement opportunities, parents can stay informed about their child's progress, feel part of a community that shares educational experiences, and learn more about the school's projects and activities.
Community Connections: Ask how the school integrates with the local community and uses community resources to enrich learning experiences.
Flexible and Emergent Curriculum
Curriculum Structure: The curriculum should be flexible and based on children’s interests and inquiries. Learning activities should evolve according to what the children are curious about. Look for evidence of long-term projects. These projects should allow children to explore topics deeply, collaborate with peers, and develop their ideas over time.
Respect for Children’s Autonomy and Expression
Observe if children are given choices in their activities and are encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas freely. The school should support the "Hundred Languages of Children," providing various mediums for children to express themselves, such as art, music, movement, and play. Are value given to working in small, medium and large groups?
Focus on Social and Emotional Development
Check if the environment promotes positive social interactions and collaborative learning among children. Ensure that educators provide emotional support, helping children navigate their feelings and develop resilience and empathy.
Visit Bucket House Preschool
Choosing the best Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool means selecting a nurturing, innovative and engaging environment for your child. At Bucket House Preschool, we stay true to the Reggio Emilia philosophy, ensuring that your child receives a holistic and enriching early education. If you're ready to explore the enriching world of Reggio Emilia education, we invite you to visit Bucket House Preschool in Woodlands. Schedule a tour today and see firsthand how we can support your child's journey to becoming a lifelong learner.