Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool Curriculum

The Growing Garden Preschool serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and the South Bay  offers a Reggio Emilia inspired early childhood program for children from infancy through kindergarten. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy that views children as naturally capable, curious, and full of potential — learning best through hands-on exploration, creative expression, meaningful relationships, and child-led discovery.

At the Growing Garden, this philosophy shapes everything: how classrooms are designed, how teachers listen and respond, how families stay connected, and how every ordinary moment becomes an opportunity to think, create, and grow.

Children are naturally curious.

They ask questions before they know the answers. They touch things. Observe closely. Build strange little ideas that somehow make complete sense to them.

Sometimes learning starts with a question. Sometimes it begins with mud on tiny shoes… a shadow on the wall… or a conversation no adult expected.

That is the beauty of childhood.

And honestly… it should never feel rushed.

The Reggio Emilia Approach believes children learn best through curiosity, relationships, creativity, and discovery. It is an educational philosophy that began in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, where families and educators imagined schools differently — schools where children were respected, heard, and seen as capable from the very beginning.

Not empty vessels waiting to be filled.

But thoughtful little humans are already full of ideas.

“The child has a hundred languages, a hundred hands, a hundred thoughts…” — Loris Malaguzzi

This philosophy sees children as active participants in learning. They question things. Notice details adults often miss. Build relationships. Test ideas. Make meaning from everyday experiences.

Learning is not something simply given to children. It grows with them.

Teachers guide rather than direct. Families become part of the learning journey. Classrooms are designed to spark curiosity. Even ordinary moments become opportunities to think, create, and connect.

A question becomes an investigation. A drawing becomes a story. A walk outside becomes science.

That is what makes this approach feel different.

It feels human.

The curriculum at Growing Garden Preschool is inspired by these ideas and thoughtfully shaped around the belief that children deserve spaces where curiosity feels welcome — warm classrooms, natural materials, creative spaces, quiet corners, and meaningful conversations.

A place where children can move, wonder, imagine, question, and slowly grow into themselves.

Not every child learns in the same way… and that matters.

Some children explain everything with words. Some communicate through movement. Some build stories with blocks. Others through paint, music, pretend play, or questions that seem endless.

Every way of learning matters here.

Because childhood should feel full of possibility. Not pressure.

“Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains.” — Loris Malaguzzi

What Is the Reggio Emilia Approach?

The Reggio Emilia Approach began in Northern Italy shortly after World War II. Families wanted something different for their children — something thoughtful, something hopeful.

They believed education should be built on respect, relationships, participation, and curiosity.

And slowly… an idea turned into something much bigger.

Today, the Reggio Emilia philosophy has influenced early childhood programs around the world. But despite its global reach, the heart of the approach remains beautifully simple:

Children learn best when they feel respected, involved, and genuinely listened to.

The philosophy is built around a strong image of the child. Children are viewed as capable, curious, creative, and full of potential. They are not passive learners sitting quietly while adults provide all the answers.

They ask questions. They form ideas. They explore, negotiate, and build understanding through relationships with teachers, classmates, families, materials, and the world around them.

Learning happens through many experiences — creativity, play, conversation, exploration, collaboration, problem-solving, and hands-on discovery.

Teachers work closely together rather than separately. Children spend their days learning alongside multiple educators who listen carefully, ask meaningful questions, and support curiosity as it grows.

Creative spaces called ateliers encourage children to experiment with materials, ideas, art, storytelling, movement, and design.

Even everyday experiences matter. Meals become conversations. Nature walks become investigations. Simple questions become projects.

The environment itself plays an important role too. In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, classrooms are often called the “third teacher” because spaces influence how children think, interact, and explore.

Light matters. Materials matter. Beauty matters. How a child feels in a space matters.

Documentation is another important part of the process. Teachers carefully observe conversations, collect moments of learning, display children’s work, and revisit ideas over time — not to measure perfection, but to better understand how children think.

And perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of this philosophy is the belief that families are essential partners in education. Because children grow best when relationships grow around them too.

Why Families Choose a Reggio Emilia Inspired Preschool?

Choosing a preschool can feel overwhelming.

Every school sounds wonderful on paper. Every classroom promises learning.

But most parents quietly ask the same question: Will my child feel happy here?

And right after that… Will they feel understood?

The Reggio Emilia Approach often feels different because it focuses on the whole child — not only academics.

Confidence matters. Curiosity matters. Relationships matter.

Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and in ways that feel natural to them. Some children learn best through movement. Some by talking things through. Others by building, observing, drawing, pretending, or asking one hundred questions before lunchtime.

There is room for all of it.

No child is expected to fit into one version of learning. Instead, learning adapts to the child.

And somehow… that changes everything.

Children slowly begin to trust their own ideas. They ask bigger questions. Take more risks. Try again after mistakes. Speak with confidence. Solve problems independently.

Learning becomes something joyful rather than something stressful.

The preschool years move quickly. But they matter deeply.

Because children are learning far more than numbers and letters. They are learning confidence, communication, empathy, friendship, independence — and the simple belief of:

“I can do this.”

“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations.” — Loris Malaguzzi

That quiet confidence children carry with them often becomes the foundation for everything that comes next.

The Reggio Emilia Program at the Growing Garden Preschool

At the Growing Garden Preschool, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is not just an inspiration — it is woven into every part of the daily experience.

Our classrooms in Redondo Beach(near Manhattan Beach) are designed as warm, light-filled environments with natural materials, open-ended resources, creative ateliers, and quiet corners for reflection. Children have room to move, explore, build, and collaborate throughout the day.

Teachers work as careful observers and partners — listening to children’s ideas, following their curiosity, and building classroom experiences around what genuinely interests and motivates each group of learners.

Projects emerge from real questions children ask. Documentation of children’s work and conversations is displayed throughout classrooms — reminding children that their ideas matter and helping families stay connected to daily discoveries.

Families serving the Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach communities have trusted Growing Garden to give their children a strong, joyful start — one that builds curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning from the very beginning.

Principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Education

The following principles are drawn from Foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach by Lella Gandini. They form the philosophical backbone of our curriculum at Growing Garden Preschool.

The Image of the Child

The Reggio Emilia philosophy begins with a strong belief in children and their abilities. Children are viewed as capable, curious, and full of potential from the very beginning — not passive learners waiting for instructions, but active participants in building knowledge, asking questions, forming relationships, and making sense of the world around them.

Every child arrives with interests, ideas, creativity, and a natural desire to explore. Learning grows through curiosity… sometimes through questions, sometimes through play, and sometimes through unexpected moments of discovery.

At Growing Garden Preschool, this belief shapes the way children are supported every day. Teachers take time to listen, observe, and understand each child’s interests and learning style. Children are encouraged to make choices, ask questions, solve problems, and express themselves confidently — because childhood feels different when children feel trusted.

“Children have preparedness, potential, curiosity and interest in constructing their own learning.” — Lella Gandini

Children’s Relationships and Interactions Within a System

The Reggio Emilia philosophy believes children do not learn in isolation. Learning happens through relationships — with teachers, classmates, families, spaces, and the wider community. Every interaction matters.

Conversations, friendships, disagreements, collaboration, and shared experiences all become meaningful parts of learning. A classroom is viewed as a connected system where relationships support curiosity, communication, empathy, and growth.

At Growing Garden Preschool, children work together in small groups, participate in collaborative activities, and learn through meaningful interaction with peers and teachers. Sometimes the most important lessons happen quietly… during play, conversations, or moments of teamwork.

“Education has to focus on each child, not considered in isolation…” — Lella Gandini

The Role of Parents

Parents are an essential part of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Families are not outside observers — they are valued partners in the child’s educational experience. Learning becomes stronger when communication, trust, and shared understanding exist between home and school.

Growing Garden Preschool values family participation as an important part of the learning journey. Ongoing communication, classroom updates, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations help families stay connected to their child’s growth and discoveries. Teachers and parents work together to better understand each child’s interests, strengths, and needs.

“Parents are an essential component of the program.” — Lella Gandini

The Role of Space: Amiable Schools

In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the environment itself plays an important role in learning. Classrooms are carefully designed because spaces influence how children interact, explore, communicate, and think. The environment is often called the “third teacher” because it quietly supports curiosity and connection.

At Growing Garden Preschool, classrooms are warm, welcoming, and intentionally designed to inspire curiosity. Natural light, creative materials, open-ended resources, quiet corners, and collaborative learning spaces encourage children to investigate ideas and feel comfortable exploring independently.

“This is a place where adults have thought about the quality and instructive power of space.” — Lella Gandini

Teachers and Children as Partners in Learning

The Reggio Emilia philosophy views teachers and children as partners in learning. Teachers are not simply instructors providing information — they are observers, collaborators, guides, and researchers who learn alongside children.

At Growing Garden Preschool, teachers work closely with children to create meaningful learning experiences built around curiosity and discovery. Educators observe children carefully, pay attention to their questions, and use those observations to guide projects and classroom experiences. Sometimes a simple interest grows into a deeper investigation… because learning often begins with curiosity.

“Teachers are seen as learners along with the children.” — Lella Gandini

A Process of Inviting and Sustaining Learning

Learning in the Reggio Emilia philosophy is not seen as a straight path with one correct answer. Children learn through exploration, revisiting ideas, asking questions, and testing possibilities over time.

Growing Garden Preschool supports this process by creating learning experiences that evolve from children’s interests and ideas. Rather than rushing children toward outcomes, learning is allowed to grow naturally — because sometimes the deepest understanding comes from returning to an idea again and again.

“Teachers ask questions and discover children’s ideas, hypotheses, and theories.” — Lella Gandini

The Power of Documentation

Documentation is an important part of the Reggio Emilia philosophy because it helps make learning visible. Teachers carefully observe and record children’s ideas, conversations, artwork, questions, and experiences through photographs, written observations, and classroom displays.

At Growing Garden Preschool, documentation helps capture moments of growth, creativity, and discovery throughout the day. Teachers thoughtfully share learning experiences so families can remain connected to what children are exploring. Children also benefit from seeing their ideas displayed and celebrated — it quietly reminds them that their thoughts matter.

“Documentation makes children’s learning visible.” — Lella Gandini

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool?

A Reggio Emilia inspired preschool is an early childhood program where learning is guided by children’s own curiosity, interests, and discoveries rather than a fixed curriculum. Children learn through meaningful play, creative exploration, collaboration, and hands-on experiences. Teachers act as guides and observers rather than instructors.

Is the Reggio Emilia approach play-based?

Yes. Children learn through meaningful play, project-based experiences, creative exploration, sensory activities, and real-world discovery. Play is not seen as a break from learning — it is the primary way young children build understanding.

How is Reggio Emilia different from a traditional preschool program?

Traditional preschool programs often follow structured lesson plans set by teachers. In a Reggio Emilia inspired program, the curriculum develops from children’s own questions, interests, and creativity. Learning experiences evolve organically and are not predetermined.

What skills do children develop in a Reggio Emilia inspired classroom?

Children develop creativity, confidence, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, independence, social-emotional skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Because children are encouraged to think for themselves from an early age, they often enter kindergarten with strong self-direction and curiosity.

What ages does the Growing Garden Preschool’s Reggio Emilia program serve?

The Growing Garden Preschool in Redondo Beach (near Manhattan Beach) offers Reggio Emilia inspired programs from Mommy & Me through Kindergarten, including infant care, toddler classes, and preschool classes for 2, 3, and 4 year olds. Visit our Classes page to find the right program for your child.

How does the Growing Garden Preschool bring the Reggio Emilia approach to life each day?

At the Growing Garden, the Reggio Emilia approach is lived daily through child-led projects, creative atelier spaces, carefully designed classrooms, ongoing documentation of children’s learning, and regular family communication. Teachers observe and listen deeply to each child, using those observations to shape meaningful classroom experiences rooted in genuine curiosity.

Is Growing Garden Preschool a Reggio Emilia school in Manhattan Beach?

Yes. The Growing Garden Preschool is located in Redondo Beach and serves families from Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and the surrounding South Bay area. Our curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and integrated into our facility design, teaching approach, and daily program.

Visit the Growing Garden Preschool

At Growing Garden Preschool, we nurture confident, creative, and curious learners through meaningful relationships, hands-on exploration, and child-centered learning experiences inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

We invite families from Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and the surrounding South Bay area to visit our campus, explore our classrooms, and meet our teachers in person.

Schedule a tour today and see the Reggio Emilia approach in action.