Dedicated educators explore Reggio Emilia at Childcare Resources workshop

“The children that you work with are powerful learners,” said Dr. Angela Eckhoff at a recent Childcare Resources professional development workshop. “Creativity peaks around age six, and creative thinking is the highest form of thinking there is.”

More than 125 early educators spent World Teacher’s Day exploring the Reggio Emilia approach to early education with Eckhoff, Professor of Teaching and Learning at Old Dominion University. These dedicated educators represented thirty-three local early education centers. Funding for the training opportunity was generously provided by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee and PNC Grow Up Great.

Presenter Dr. Angela Eckhoff and Shannon McGuire Bowman, Childcare Resources Executive Director.

“We are grateful to be able to bring phenomenal learning opportunities like this to Indian River County,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Childcare Resources Executive Director. “It is truly inspiring to see so many dedicated educators committed to furthering their knowledge and practice.”

Reggio Emilia began as a parent initiative in Italy following World War II.  Working with early childhood education expert Loris Malaguzzi, the community developed an approach that encouraged children to explore their surroundings and express themselves.

“They had an opportunity to start fresh,” said Dr. Eckhoff, “and they asked, ‘How do we make early learning a community practice?’”

Center Directors L-R Lenora Carter, Douglas Head Start; Tara Beard, Childcare Resources; Jenny Sutter, Oceans Christian Academy; Stephanie Herrera, Roseland Christian Preschool; Matilde Espinal, Global Learning; Yehsica Folkerds, Bridges Early Learning; and Claudia Pinyon, Indian River Academy Head Start

The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes arts and the environment, focusing on how children express themselves throughout the learning process. Pedagogical documentation that makes children’s thinking and learning visible encourages students to reflect on their experiences and become aware of their own thought processes. A third focus of the approach is on building relationships with children’s families.

Educators used ‘loose parts,’ basic materials that can be used in a variety of ways, during an exploration of open-ended play.

“There’s a heavy emphasis on the family as a child’s first teacher and longest teacher,” noted Eckhoff. “Part of a teacher’s job is to support a parent’s understanding and empower the parent to know that they can support their child’s learning.”

For the educators in attendance, the day was a welcome reminder of the impact of their work.

Members of the Childcare Resources Program Committee assist throughout each workshop. Back Row, L-R: Claudia McNulty, Carol Buhl, Susan Donovan Front Row, L-R: Kathy Marshall, Pam Barr

“This workshop reminded me of the importance of sharing the journey with parents, not just the final work,” noted Shana, a local teacher. “It challenged me to ensure I am providing opportunities to explore and give choice.”