Foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach

At Kinderberry Hill, our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach celebrates the idea that every child is curious, capable, and full of potential. Rooted in respect and collaboration, this philosophy guides us in creating rich learning environments where children lead the way—exploring, questioning, and making meaning through hands-on experiences and relationships.

Hands-on Learning

Inquiry-based projects that follow children’s interests.

Classroom Environments

Inspiring spaces designed for discovery.

Teacher-Guided Inquiry

Educators observe, document, and encourage deeper thinking.

A Thoughtful Approach to Early Learning and Child Care

At Kinderberry Hill, we believe in the boundless potential of every child. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our early childhood programs are built on the belief that children are strong, capable, curious, and full of ideas. This renowned philosophy, rooted in respect, collaboration, and exploration, invites us to see learning as a dynamic process shaped by the child’s voice, interests, and discoveries.

Through our Reggio-inspired environment, children are encouraged to make choices, express themselves in many languages (verbal, visual, physical), and engage deeply with the world around them. Educators act as partners and researchers—listening, guiding, and documenting growth—while environments serve as the “third teacher,” thoughtfully designed to provoke inquiry and connection.

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Reggio Emilia
in Action

Our outdoor classrooms invite children to learn through inquiry, movement, and hands-on exploration—bringing the Reggio Emilia philosophy to life.

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A Joyful Approach to Learning at Kinderberry Hill

At Kinderberry Hill, children explore, create, and express themselves in countless ways. Through loose parts, process art, and authentic materials, our classrooms nurture curiosity, confidence, and joy in every child.

Loose Parts

Process Art

Image of the Child

100 Languages

Loose Parts

Loose parts are an essential (and favorite!) piece of every Kinderberry Hill classroom. These are items that have no specific instructions and can be used in an endless variety of ways. From our infant classrooms all the way through our Pre-Kindergarten program, children at Kinderberry Hill have a rich assortment of natural, found, repurposed, and unique loose parts to explore and create.

“Nothing Without Joy!” ~Loris Malaguzzi

Process art is a vital part of our program, focusing on creativity and exploration over a final product. With access to diverse materials, time, and freedom, children fully engage their imagination. It fosters decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Image of the Child

Kinderberry Hill views all children as competent, capable, and curious, with wisdom and joy to share. We believe they deserve a valued voice in their education, and that how adults see them shapes every interaction. Here, children are seen as curious researchers with unique perspectives, deserving of exploration and joy.

100 Languages

We believe children have many ways to express their ideas and understanding. At Kinderberry Hill, they are surrounded by loose parts, diverse art materials, and authentic tools that support expression and community contribution. Each classroom is warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed to reflect the children, their families, and their evolving interests.

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Why the Reggio Approach?

Honor Childhood

While every stage of life matters, childhood is critical for growth and future well-being. At Kinderberry Hill, we are honored to be part of this precious time—a season of curiosity, discovery, friendship, and joy.

Building Community

We don’t give children an education—we nurture the wisdom, curiosity, and perseverance already within them. Through connection and observation, we provide the tools to explore, express, and contribute within a close-knit community.

Emergent Curriculum

With Emergent Curriculum, our teachers follow children’s questions, exploring and researching alongside them. This hands-on approach fosters deeper engagement, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

The Kinderberry Experience

It’s important that we believe that the child is very intelligent, that the child is strong and beautiful and has very ambitious desires and requests. This is the Image of the child we need to hold.

–Loris Malaguzzi

Explore Our Curriculum

Reggio Emilia

Inspired by Reggio Emilia, we see children as capable, curious learners and support creativity and collaboration through project-based, child-led experiences.

Outdoor
Classrooms

Our Outdoor Classroom extends learning beyond four walls into nature-rich environments. Children explore, discover, and stay active while building confidence and a connection to the natural world.

STEAM Wonder Lab

Our STEAM Wonder Lab sparks curiosity through hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, building critical thinking through creative, discovery-based learning.

Spanish Wonder Lab

The Spanish Wonder Lab introduces a new language through immersive, play-based learning, using songs, stories, and conversation to build vocabulary and cultural awareness.

Sing & Sign
Wonder Lab

Sing & Sign uses music and simple sign language to build early communication, encourage self-expression, and support language development.

Questions About Reggio Emilia

How is Reggio Emilia different from traditional childcare programs?

Unlike traditional programs that follow a fixed curriculum, Reggio-inspired classrooms are more flexible. Teachers observe children’s interests and adapt learning experiences to follow their questions, ideas, and discoveries.

What does “image of the child” mean in the Reggio Emilia Approach?

In Reggio Emilia, children are seen as competent, creative, and active participants in their own learning. This philosophy respects their ability to think critically, make decisions, and contribute meaningfully to the classroom community.

How are parents involved in the Reggio Emilia approach?

Parent collaboration is a key element. Families are seen as partners in the learning journey, often invited to contribute ideas, participate in projects, and engage in meaningful dialogue about their child’s experiences and development.