APPROACH

The cornerstone of the Reggio philosophy is an image of the child as competent, strong, inventive and full of potential—a subject with rights instead of needs. Reggio educators' respect toward children and adults is evident in the following aspects of their educational philosophy:

• Participation

• Ongoing professional and staff development

• Collegiality

• School environment

• The atelier

• Family and community involvement

• Documentation, research, study and experimentation

• Social constructivism

Reggio Emilia has created a culture of dialogue and research and has promoted the pleasure of inquiry among children and adults. The approach, based on research and analysis of actual practice, has led Reggio Emilia educators to formulate new theoretical interpretations, hypotheses and ideas about teaching and learning.