Nurturing Futures: How Reggio Emilia Prepares Children for Kindergarten and Beyond

It’s our goal as parents to prepare our children for success and happiness wherever life leads them. We want to watch them grow, thrive, explore and discover all the amazing things life offers. Children’s Discovery Center understands that bright futures require a solid foundation and believes the Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy is the greatest tool for establishing this exceptional baseline.

Why choose Reggio Emilia?

By building upon your hard work at home, Reggio Emilia engages children with a holistic educational approach that builds fundamental skills and prepares them with a equips them mentally, socially and creatively for their educational journey.

Emphasis On Child-Centered Learning

Reggio Emilia views children as competent, capable and amazing. As educators guided by this philosophy, CDC seeks to nurture their interests by creating developmentally appropriate learning centers that focus on each child’s interests.

Our Reggio Emilia classrooms encourage children to engage in their discoveries, allowing them to explore and pursue their interests. By following curiosity, children become active participants in the educational process, fostering independence and self-motivation.

Project-Based Learning

Reggio Emilia classrooms often engage children in project-based learning experiences involving in-depth exploration of a topic or concept. Through these projects, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

As they explore the world, young thinkers learn to ask questions, conduct research, collaborate with peers and effectively communicate their ideas. This hands-on approach prepares children for the challenges of kindergarten while fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Focus On Communication and Language Development

Effective communication is essential for success in school and beyond. By helping hone these skills in early childhood, we can encourage our young explorers to use their voices and share ideas throughout their life. 

Reggio Emilia educators prioritize language development by creating opportunities for meaningful conversations. Through open-ended discussions, storytelling and group activities, children build vocabulary, enhance their communication skills and develop the ability to express themselves clearly. These skills also lay a solid foundation for literacy and overall academic success!

Promotion of Social and Emotional Skills

At such a young age, our children are still learning to understand themselves as much as the world. Reggio Emilia nurtures this critical developmental stage to promote overall well-being and kindergarten preparedness. 

This world-recognized philosophy fosters a sense of community, encouraging cooperation, empathy and respect among children. By engaging in teamwork and exploration, children develop essential social skills vital in school settings and in making friends.

Integration of Arts and Creativity

There’s no greater tool for self-expression than the arts! From painting to writing or singing, art and creativity help us share the unique song that lives in each of us. Reggio Emilia celebrates the arts as a powerful tool for expression, communication and development. 

At our Toledo-area Discovery Centers, children are encouraged to explore their artistry through painting, sculpting, music and more. Integrating arts and creativity into our daily lessons enhances imagination, problem-solving and self-expression. It also cultivates their aesthetic sensibilities and fosters a love for beauty and creativity in all aspects of their lives.

Experience Reggio Emilia and the CDC Difference

For more than 40 years, Children’s Discovery Center has helped guide and expand the minds of Toledo’s youngest explorers. Our dedicated staff nurtures children into lifelong learners by providing an innovative environment promoting self-led discovery. Contact us today to learn more about our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, register your child and tour our facilities.