Philosophy:
Reggio Emelia
Child-Centered Learning
All children have the potential to construct their own learning and are not simply empty vessels to be filled with knowledge.
The school environment and curriculum are designed to foster an intrinsic love of learning. The environment encourages activity, engagement, discovery, and use of a variety of media.
The Brown Play School curriculum is inspired by the highly regarded philosophy of the schools in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy.
The Reggio approach believes:
Emergent Curriculm
The curriculum is emergent, meaning it stems from the interests of the children, and allows them to return again and again to a project to add new insights.
Documentation by teachers provides a window into each child’s learning and highlights the value of the thought processes and work.
Long-term Support
The teachers collaborate daily to engage the children in long-term projects based on their interests. Time is not solely dictated by the clock.
The teachers work with the children for two years, so the children have the opportunity to develop and maintain a secure, consistent attachment through which they can thrive.
Inclusive Learning
Documentation
An emphasis of the Reggio Emilia philosophy is the documentation of each child’s progress through photos, videos and the written word. The school’s walls feature rotating displays of the children’s unique artwork as well as their comments. At the end of the school year, each family receives a binder filled with their preschooler’s artwork, photos and narrations.
Recent projects include:
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Painting with Marbles
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Planting various plant seeds in our greenhouse
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Building bird houses with our woodworking teacher
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Make clay trinket trays as family gifts
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Print making using natural and found objects
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Annual self-portrait paintings for our “Gallery Night”
Inclusive Learning
At Brown Play School, we prioritize creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every child is valued and supported. Our dedicated team is committed to fostering a love for learning and helping children develop essential skills for their future success. We believe in the potential of every child and strive to provide a safe and engaging space for them to thrive.
Supporting Diverse Learners:
At Brown Play School, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children. We value family partnership at every step and provide regular check-ins and shared agreements to ensure each child is supported with care and respect. While we aim to meet all children where they are, for learners with additional needs, our "Support for Diverse Learners Policy" describes a collaborative response that initially includes, but is not limited to, close teacher observation, frequent communication with families, structured parent-teacher planning to address each child's unique needs (e.g., developmental, behavioral). If further support is needed, we facilitate external professional consultations, always with parental consent. We prioritize the safety and optimal learning environment for all children, and will openly communicate if a child's needs consistently require support beyond our capacity to ensure the best possible placement for success.
Non-Discrimination Statement:
Brown Play School respects the dignity and worth of every child, family, and staff member. We prohibit discrimination and seek to create a community where individuals of all backgrounds and identities are supported as they grow together.
Resources
Check these resources for other information about Reggio Emilia and early childhood education: