The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Education

Developed in the mid 20th century by Italian psychologist Loris Malaguzzi, this learning method encourages self-guided curriculum that fosters exploration and discovery. Malaguzzi was assisted by parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia Italy, and named the educational philosophy in the region’s honor, shortly thereafter. Several key elements distinguish the Reggio Emilia approach, setting it apart from other early education pedagogies. Our Burlington daycare and Oakville daycares employ them all.

Learn by Doing at Halton Daycare

Parkview uses the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Education. sees children learning on their feet, using their hands, and communicating their ideas in a number of ways. Children are often communicating their ideas by making artwork out of natural materials found in the earth. Visual and Tactile stimulation motivate a child’s deep engagement with their surroundings making for a rich and rewarding Halton daycare education.

Emergent Curriculum

This approach asks that our teachers pay close attention to the unique interests and development of each child, evolving a course of investigation tailored to their personal interests and curiosities. Classroom activities and long-term projects are then created with these in mind.

Children blossom in nature at our pre-school in Oakville and Burlington

Much of Reggio Emilia style learning is done outdoors in nature. One need only look at YouTube videos of Italian schools to see children engaged in inspired activities such as making outdoor Ferris wheels for birds or wind machines out of brightly coloured balloons. Our pre-school in Oakville has a private outdoor courtyard where children learn and play. Outdoor spaces are nature based environments set up to act as another classroom that inspires children to explore and investigate.

When the environment is a Teacher in child care Burlington and Oakville, kids prosper

Each Parkview classroom is full of what we call learning “provocations.” A child might see a bouquet of flowers next to an intentionally placed set of water colour paints and a blank piece of paper. A tiny sign might read “What do you see?” encouraging the children to make a painting. These visually stimulating invitations are meant to create engaged students. Provocations prompt exploration; exploration stimulates the brain; stimulated brains evolve into inspired learners. We offer child care Burlington and Oakville parents can trust.

Collaboration & Interaction

The Reggio Emilia system’s very design invites children at our Halton daycare to collaborate in cooperation with one another, with the support of their teacher. Learning is rarely done in isolation, and the classroom environment is always alive and connected. Preschool children are involved in a social skills program called “Second Step” which further supports positive collaboration and interaction.

The Role of the Halton Daycare Teacher

A Reggio Emilia teacher at our Halton daycare plays four roles. A co-constructor who guides, nurtures, and assists in problem solving. A researcher who learns and observes. A documenter who listens, records and evaluates. A child advocate who takes on an active role in the community, and is a passionate social advocate for issues related to child learning.

The importance of Documentation

All Parkview teachers at our Burlington daycare and Oakville daycares conscientiously document each child’s educational progression. When it comes to identifying specific strengths and challenge areas, this becomes an enormously necessary process. It is done through creative media such as video and photography, as well as conversation transcripts and learning stories.

Intergenerational Bonding at our child care Burlington and Oakville locations

At Parkview, we believe a child’s education is enriched both by parental involvement and time spent with the elderly. Two of our locations (The Orchard School in Burlington and The Village pre-school in Oakville) have cooperative programs with long-term care facilities exposing our children to the wisdom and generosity of the aged. The children’s presence also provides a positive experience for the residents of the long-term care program. This results in the This results in child care Burlington daycare kids and Oakville daycare kids will remember for a lifetime.

How does learning happen?

The Ministry of Education (EDU) has authored a document entitled How Does Learning Happen?, which lays out a series of best practices for teaching children in early education. This document directly influences and inspires our curriculum which is designed in conscientious adherence to its four foundations that promote children’s learning (well-being, belonging, expression and engagement). It can be found here: www.edu.gov.on.ca/childcare/HowLearningHappens.pdf