KIDDIELAND ECE is inspired by Reggio Emilia Schools, an Italian revolutionary way of teaching. The rationale for pursuing Reggio elements is to provide children with rich learning experiences and support programs to strengthen families. The Reggio approach, moreover, invites and encourages all adults, including involved teachers, administrators, and parents, to be thinkers, communicators, creators, collaborators, problem solvers, and negotiators as they become more thoughtful and reflective.
Children are strong, intelligent, and capable from birth. Teachers are deeply aware of children's potential and construct the curriculum and the environment of the children's experience to respond appropriately. Children's rights are recognized, as are their needs.
Education focuses on each child, not considered separate but in relationship with the family, other children, the teachers, the environment of the school, the community, and wider society.
Parents are considered an essential component of the program. They are a knowledgeable and active part of the children's learning environment.
Kiddieland pays special attention to the design and aesthetics of space. The life of the school and the work of the children are made visible and legible through documentation displayed on the walls. The environment is called the 3rd teacher.
The role of the teacher is that of observer, explorer, listener, and documenter, and they should easily adapt to changes. Teachers serve as researchers and collaborators in the learning environment.
A curriculum based on the expressed interests of the children shows value for their capabilities. Along with adult insights, the diverse materials within the environment support emergent literacy and numeracy.
