Our Implementation of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education, Part 1

Foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach 

After World War II, a group of mothers in Reggio Emilia, Italy came together to create a different kind of childcare. Brick by brick, schools were built from the rubble of bombed buildings to become the foundation of the Reggio Emilia philosophy; an approach meant to build critical thinking and collaboration skills in young children.  

Inspired by the success of the learning community in Reggio Emilia, schools across the world have changed the way they teach. Collaboration between children and educators creates a space where children are motivated to learn by pursuing their interests, and the combination of arts and education fosters creative young minds open to trying new things. 

Reggio Emilia at Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center 

At Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, the Reggio Emilia approach was introduced in in 2014.  The administration takes a comprehensive approach to curriculum: the school drives the museum’s approach to public workshops and events. Leah Zukauskas, Head Teacher for classroom 2A, believes that through the Reggio Emilia approach, children are able to create the paths and topics that they want to investigate, and that teachers can extend these paths through play-based learning. 

Sara Castle, Director of Early Childhood at Imagine Nation, says keeping the image of the child as the central focus is most important. Children are viewed as capable and competent, and having them drive their own learning helps them enjoy it, too. 

Art Program 

As an extension of the classroom, Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center’s Museum Studios include an Art Studio to offer enhanced opportunities for exploration. In Italy, the Atelierista is an art teacher—at Imagine Nation the Atelierista, Karen Pac, is a link between the Art Studio and the classrooms. She creates a space where children can learn and create in a fun and educational environment.  

The Art Studio at Imagine Nation is a place where infants and preschoolers use real art tools, like authentic paintbrushes. Nothing provided is “just for kids,” and no one is treated like they can't do something because of their age. From observational drawing to watercolor painting, printmaking to textiles, children have the opportunity to experience every type of art-making they can imagine.  

The goal of Imagine Nation's Early Childhood Education program is for children to learn through real, authentic life experiences. Learning through play and connecting classrooms with the museum spaces does exactly that. Young children require hands-on experiences to grasp concepts and skills. The program’s integration of art into the curriculum allows children to utilize their art skills in the classroom, as well as providing expressive tools for their personal and social-emotional growth. 

Special Thanks to: 

• Sara Castle, Director of Early Childhood 
• Leah Zukauskas, Head Teacher; classroom 2A 

for giving their insight and opinions into Imagine Nation and how the education and art programs incorporate the Reggio Emilia approach. 

Other Research: 

"History and Origins." Reggio Emilia, Weebly, reggioemilia2015.weebly.com/history-and-origins.html.