What curriculum do you use?

All of our learning is Reggio Emilia-inspired. We integrate elements of Spielgaben, The Good and the Beautiful, Wild Math, and in-house developed lessons within our day.  Our learning is fluid and child-directed. Teachers instruct based on interests within mini lessons and regularly set up provocations or invitations to learn through play, experiments, books, and discussions.

 

What is Reggio Emilia?

 

Reggio Emilia is a location in Italy that was significantly damaged during Allied bombing raids during WWII forcing the community to come together to rebuild. After escaping the bonds of fascism, the people of Reggio Emilia wanted an education system that promoted community and exploration (Edwards, Gandini & Forman, 2011).  The education process is child led.  The learner picks the topic and the teacher creates curriculum around the selected topic (Edwards et al., 2011).  Teachers guide the experience and this leads to discovery and promotes the discovery process (Edwards et al., 2011).  Parents are encouraged to participate in the learning process which aids in community building. 

 

Children’s work in Reggio Emilia is taken seriously and builds upon itself.  This is an often overlooked facet of the American education model (Edwards et al., 2011).  Community and group projects create an environment that facilitates communicating ideas and aids in the child’s ability to express their ideas (Edwards et al., 2011).  The teacher-student relationship is focused on the content of the child’s work, not on classroom routines or standardized tests.  This engages both the child and teacher in a focused problem-solving environment (Edwards et al., 2011).  The student’s family is asked to participate in the learning process, further cementing community bonding (Edwards et al., 2011).  Art and creation play an integral role in Reggio Emilia. 

 

In the Reggio Emilia setting, children with special needs are referred to as “children with special rights” (Hertzog, 2001).  By focusing on the child and what they are drawn to within their environment, Reggio Emilia builds curriculum tailored to the child’s needs (Hertzog, 2001). Programs around the world who wish to recreate this environment outside of Reggio Emilia, Italy refer to themselves as Reggio Emilia-inspired. Teachers who teach like those in Reggio Emilia often will say they are teaching in the Reggio Emilia way.

 

You can read more about the Reggio philosophy here: What is Reggio? and here: Reggio Emilia Philosophy

 

  Hertzog, N. B., (2001). Reflections and impressions from Reggio Emilia: “It’s not about art!” [abstract]. Early Childhood Research and Practice (Vol. 3, issue 1). Retrieved from http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v3n1/hertzog.html 

 

Edwards, C. P., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. E. (2011). The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia experience in transformation (3th ed.). Greenwich, CT: Ablex Pub.

 

Is your day structured or all free play?

 

While our day may look different from a traditional or academic school, we do have structure and expectations for students. We follow a daily schedule, explore many themes or interests, and have time for free exploration. Children are expected to be involved in "work" at all times. This work includes anything from imaginative play to collaborative work with peers. 

 

What is the teacher's role then?

 

Teachers prepare the environment of the classroom, document learning, reference documentation and encourage children to find challenging work, help students work through social difficulties, set up provocations or invitations to learn through play, lead literature time, work one on one with students, help students find answers to their questions, and celebrate new knowledge with children.

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Do you offer enrollment for special needs children?

 

Yes, we have limited openings for special needs children. Our teachers have experience with the following special needs: autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, Down's Syndrome, medical needs, and developmental delays. Our lead teacher, Kellista Keaton, also has knowledge of ASL. If your child has another special need please contact us for more information about our special need openings.

 

What about food allergies?

We are happy to accept children with food allergies and can meet the needs of children who are gluten, egg, soy, peanut, and dairy free. We may ask parents to provide meals for children who have further complicated food allergies. We are a latex-free school.

 

Do you accept full-time students?

Yes. 

 

Do you accept DCF payments/childcare subsidies?

No, sorry we cannot at this time.

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Why did you change your name?

When we started our program in 2007 we were a full day, childcare program. We grew into Reggio Emilia-inspired and began teaching early childhood and then elementary school. As our program changed we realized that many in our community did not recognize the values our program held from our name. We wanted a name that reflected our simplistic view of learning, much like the old schoolhouse did, and one that demonstrated our "green" desire to serve organic foods and provide an environment with natural cleaners. The Little Green Schoolhouse was born. 

 

I have more questions.

 

We'd love to answer your questions. Please contact us at kellistakeaton@gmail.com and we'll get back to you ASAP.