Early Preschool Community
Our early preschool classroom is grounded in the idea that young children are active, competent learners who thrive through exploration, play, and social interaction. At this stage, children begin to develop independence, greater communication skills, and an understanding of the world around them. We spend our days nurturing these abilities in an environment that fosters creativity, self-expression, and problem-solving.
Our classroom is carefully designed to support exploration and learning. For two-year-olds, this means creating an environment filled with materials and experiences that are open-ended and sensory-rich. The space is organized in a way that encourages children to explore independently, while also providing areas for group interactions. For example, there may be spaces for quiet activities (such as reading or drawing), areas for sensory play (like sand or water), and open spaces where children can engage in group play or movement activities.
Play is central to learning, as it allows children to develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Teachers act as guides, observing and supporting children's natural curiosity and interests, while promoting communication and problem-solving. Teachers in a Reggio Emilia Approach classroom do not direct play, but instead create opportunities for play that encourage curiosity and creativity. Whether it's building with blocks, exploring sensory materials, or engaging in pretend play, toddlers learn through these experiences, developing important cognitive, motor, and social skills.
We document a lot! Documentation is an important tool for both teachers and parents. Teachers observe and record children’s actions, conversations, and milestones through photographs, notes, and artwork. This documentation helps teachers reflect on the children’s learning process and plan future activities. For parents, it provides insight into their child’s day-to-day experiences and developmental progress. All our thoughtful documentation allows us to provide individualized support and design learning experiences that build on the child’s natural curiosity. Our curriculum is emergent, meaning that it is constantly evolving based on the children's interests.
At two years old, children are starting to develop social skills and an understanding of emotions. In a Reggio Emilia Approach-inspired classroom, teachers help children navigate these early social experiences by promoting play, taking turns, and resolving conflict. Teachers also model and encourage emotional expression, helping children identify and name their feelings. For example, if a child is upset, the teacher might acknowledge their emotion by saying, "I see you’re feeling sad because you wanted to play with that toy," and guide the child toward a solution or alternative activity. Through these interactions, toddlers learn about empathy, self-regulation, and how to relate to others. Our approach provides a safe and stimulating environment where children are empowered to explore, ask questions, and build a foundation for lifelong learning.
Two-year-olds are still developing their language skills, and in a Reggio Emilia Approach classroom, teachers actively support this process through rich, respectful communication. Teachers engage in conversations with children, asking open-ended questions, modeling new vocabulary, and encouraging them to express themselves in words, gestures, or other forms of communication.
The emphasis is on creating a safe, stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, question, and communicate. By respecting children’s natural curiosity, supporting their emotional and social development, and providing opportunities for creative and hands-on learning, the Reggio Emilia Approach helps toddlers build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Teachers act as observers and co-learners, carefully planning experiences that reflect the children’s interests and developmental needs, while also fostering a sense of independence, creativity, and community.
One of our early preschoolers’ favorite activities is to get messy and explore with their whole bodies. Sensory development is a key component for little growing bodies—it helps with emotional regulation, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, problem solving, sorting, and also builds nerve connections that allow for complex thinking skills. Our early preschoolers participate in one to two hours of sensory play per day.