Foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach

At Kinderberry Hill, our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach celebrates the idea that every child is curious, capable, and full of potential. Rooted in respect and collaboration, this philosophy guides us in creating rich learning environments where children lead the way—exploring, questioning, and making meaning through hands-on experiences and relationships.

Hands-on Learning

Inquiry-based projects that follow children’s interests.

Classroom Environments

Inspiring spaces designed for discovery.

Teacher-Guided Inquiry

Educators observe, document, and encourage deeper thinking.

It’s important that we believe that the child is very intelligent, that the child is strong and beautiful and has very ambitious desires and requests. This is the Image of the child we need to hold.

–Loris Malaguzzi

A Joyful Approach to Learning at Kinderberry Hill

At Kinderberry Hill, children explore, create, and express themselves in countless ways. Through loose parts, process art, and authentic materials, our classrooms nurture curiosity, confidence, and joy in every child.

Loose Parts

Loose parts are an essential ( and favorite!) piece of every Kinderberry Hill classroom. These are items that have no specific instructions and can be used in an endless variety of ways. These are important to our schools because they inspire creativity, engineering, problem-solving, collaboration, and endless hours of play. From our infant classrooms all the way through our Pre-Kindergarten program, children at Kinderberry Hill have a rich assortment of natural, found, repurposed, and unique loose part to explore and create.

Process Art

“Nothing Without Joy!” ~Loris Malaguzzi

Process art is a vital part of our program as it emphasizes the creative experiences and exploration over an end product or result. When we supply children with a variety of art mediums, time, and freedom to explore, they fully engage their imagination. Process art requires decision making, problem-solving and collaboration. These are skills that build confidence in children, while creating beauty and JOY.                     

Image of the Child

We view all children as competent, capable, and curious. We believe children have wisdom and joy to share with their community and should have a valued voice in their school and education. How adults view children shapes interactions with them. Viewing children as researchers full of curiosity; as people with unique perspectives and contributions to the learning process, as deserving of exploration and joy. . . this is the image of the child at Kinderberry Hill.

100 Languages

We believe children have many, many ways to express their ideas and understanding. At Kinderberry Hill, children are surrounded by unique loose parts, a variety of art mediums, and real-life authentic materials to enhance expression and support children to contribute ideas to their community.  Each classroom at Kinderberry Hill is warm and welcoming with a beautiful aesthetic.  A classroom reflects the children, their families, and current interests and examples of their own work. 

Why the Reggio Approach?

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Honor Childhood

While every stage of life matters, childhood is critical for growth and future well-being. At Kinderberry Hill, we are honored to be part of this precious time—a season of curiosity, discovery, friendship, and joy.

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Building Community

We don’t “give” children an education—we nurture the wisdom, curiosity, and perseverance already within them. Through connection and observation, we provide tools to explore the world and share their understanding. By valuing every voice, we build a close-knit community where children learn to listen and contribute.

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Emergent Curriculum

With Emergent Curriculum, our teachers follow children’s questions, exploring and researching alongside them. This hands-on approach makes learning more engaging and challenging, with teachers guiding inquiries and providing resources. The result is deeper engagement, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Reggio Emilia Frequently Asked Questions

How is Reggio Emilia different from traditional childcare programs?

Unlike traditional programs that follow a fixed curriculum, Reggio-inspired classrooms are more flexible. Teachers observe children’s interests and adapt learning experiences to follow their questions, ideas, and discoveries.

What does “image of the child” mean in the Reggio Emilia Approach?

In Reggio Emilia, children are seen as competent, creative, and active participants in their own learning. This philosophy respects their ability to think critically, make decisions, and contribute meaningfully to the classroom community.

How are parents involved in the Reggio Emilia approach?

Parent collaboration is a key element. Families are seen as partners in the learning journey, often invited to contribute ideas, participate in projects, and engage in meaningful dialogue about their child’s experiences and development.

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