
Pre-K 4 & Kinder Communities
In a Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten-aged Reggio Emilia Approach classroom, the curriculum is designed to build on the natural curiosity and emerging competencies of young children, emphasizing exploration, collaboration, and self-expression. This child-centered approach sees children as active participants in their learning process, with teachers acting as co-learners and facilitators. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, the learning experiences are driven by the children’s interests, ideas, and questions, which evolve over time through observation and interaction. Our goal in our classrooms is to meet each child where they are and work as a team (teachers, parents, and environment) to expand each child’s knowledge and understanding.

Our school strongly believes in project-based and emergent learning, where children engage in long-term investigations or projects. These projects often evolve over several weeks and may involve research, hands-on building, group discussions, and creative expression. For example, a group of kindergarteners might design and build a model of a town, drawing on their knowledge of buildings, community roles, and social structures. Throughout the project, children engage in collaborative problem-solving, refining their ideas, asking questions, and finding solutions as a group. This hands-on, collaborative approach helps children develop social skills, communication abilities, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
In addition to academic learning, social and emotional development is a major focus of the Reggio Emilia Approach. Teachers encourage cooperative learning, helping children work together, share ideas, and resolve conflicts. By creating opportunities for children to collaborate on projects and group activities, the curriculum promotes social interaction, empathy, and emotional regulation. Teachers support children in articulating their thoughts and feelings, fostering self-awareness and respect for others. Conflict resolution, negotiation, and teamwork are integral parts of the learning experience.
At this point in the child’s development, we carefully begin to introduce core subjects with a more concentrated curriculum. We utilize Learning Without Tears for phonics, pre-reading, reading, handwriting, and creative writing skills. We continue to teach all subjects through child-led and project-based learning.


​​​Documentation plays a vital role in both tracking and reflecting on our students’ learning journey. Teachers observe and document children’s work, conversations, and actions through photographs, videos, and written notes. This documentation is not only a record of progress but also serves as a tool for reflection and discussion. It helps children understand their own learning process and allows them to revisit ideas, refining them over time. Teachers use documentation to identify patterns in children’s thinking and to plan future experiences that build on their interests and questions. Additionally, documentation is shared with families, fostering a strong connection between home and school and giving parents insight into their child’s learning journey. The teacher is seen as an active participant in the learning process, working alongside the children as they engage in discovery and problem-solving.