Why the Reggio Emilia Approach?

International recognition of the Reggio preschools has been constantly increasing after 1991, when a panel of experts commissioned by Newsweek magazine identified the preschools of Reggio Emilia as one of the “best top ten schools in the world”. Today, a significant and growing number of leading corporations and institutions adopt the Reggio Emilia Approach for their preschool programs.

The Reggio Emilia Approach, Inquiry Based Learning & Emergent Curriculum

The Reggio Emilia approach uses an Emergent Curriculum that is developed and guided by the children’s interests. The Emergent Curriculum is a way of teaching and learning that requires educators to observe and listen to the children. Educators ask questions and listen for the children’s ideas, hypotheses and theories. Children engage in long-term small group and large group projects, which involve hands-on investigation and finding the answers to questions.  This inquiry based learning harnesses the spirit of investigation, creating an interesting, engaging and meaningful curriculum that uses children’s interests and questions as a starting point for effective learning.

Family Contribution

The schools of Reggio Emilia began as a parent initiative. With the end of World War II, parents in Italy banded together and, with the proceeds from the sale of surplus war materials, founded the town’s first pre-schools. They had a vision for a new kind of school where children would be treated with respect and parents would be active participants in their children’s education.

My World values the expertise of families and encourages family involvement, contribution and participation.

The influences of the highly regarded Reggio Emilia schools of Italy are at the core of My World Child Care Centres. The Reggio Emilia approach offers a way for educators to harness children’s natural curiosity and creativity by encouraging them to work on projects that interest them. This approach combines a Inquiry Based Child-Led Emergent Curriculum with Intentional Teaching & Family Contribution.

National Quality Framework

At My World Child Care our curriculum for each child’s learning is guided by the national quality framework and the Early Years Learning Framework (the EYLF). The National Quality Framework is made up of 5 Learning Outcomes, 8 Practices, 5 Principles & 7 Quality Areas.

5 Learning Outcomes

  • Children have a strong sense of identity

  • Children are connected with and contribute to their world

  • Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

  • Children are confident and involved learners

  • Children are effective communicators

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8 Practices

  • Holistic Approaches

  • Responsiveness to children

  • Learning through play

  • Intentional teaching

  • Learning environments

  • Cultural competence

  • Continuity of learning & tranisitons

  • Assessment for learning

5 Principles

  • Secure, respectful & reciprocal relationships

  • Partnerships

  • HIgh expectations & equity

  • Respectful for diversity

  • Ongoing learning & reflective practice

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7 Quality Areas

  • Educational Program & Practice

  • Children’s health & safety

  • Physical environment

  • Staffing Arrangements

  • Relationships with children

  • Collaborative relationships with families and communities

  • Leadership and service management

A child is a gift whose worth cannot be measured except by the heart.

Theresa Ann Hunt

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