Although less well-known in the United States than Montessori and Waldorf educational philosophies (which we also incorporate into our curricula as appropriate), at Dream Makers we find that the Reggio Emilia approach is a good fit. The emphasis on child-directed learning and projects as well as cooperation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution mirrors the style of teaching and interacting with our preschoolers we’ve developed over many years.
The Reggio Emilia approach includes a strong belief that children learn best through interaction with others in a rich and friendly learning environment. At Dream Makers, we maintain an environment that encourages exploration and experimentation. We encourage the children to solve problems with each other through negotiation, communication, and collaboration. We also work to balance stimulation and comfort—an important component of the Reggio approach.
Children are naturally curious and eager to learn. We see ourselves as companions and partners rather than directors of the process. For more information about the Reggio Emilia early childhood program, see these links to free resources
