We investigated many great philosophers and were most influenced by Jean Piaget’s Constructivist Theory and Lev Vygotsky’s Socio-Constructivist Theory, as well as the works of John Dewey on the importance of bringing students’ past experiences into the classroom. The works of Jerome Bruner and Paulo Freire also amazed us. We share the belief that each person constructs his or her own intelligence through direct interaction with the environment and social groups.

We were then introduced to the theories of Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the infant-toddler centers in Reggio Emilia, Italy. He developed an approach to early childhood education that is today inspiring educators and children throughout the world. As a result, we traveled to Italy to visit these wonderful preschools. We returned truly inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and passionate about spreading its wonders in our schools.

The Reggio Emilia Approach derives its name from its place of origin, Reggio Emilia, a city located in Emilia Romagna in Northern Italy. Shortly after the Second World War, the parents of this region collaborated with Loris Malaguzzi, a lifelong educator, innovator and creative philosopher to find a unique public system of childcare education. Loris Malaguzzi and the parents of Reggio Emilia Italy were devastated by the destruction that took place during World War II and believed that the approach to education had to fundamentally change. Based on principles of respect, responsibility and community, a philosophy was born.

In the Reggio Emilia Approach, there is a coined expression, “A child has a hundred languages.” The approach unites and develops all languages-innovation, nature, construction, fantasy, art, music, dance, building, writing, talking, signing, science, body, and soul. The multiple languages are used to help children build knowledge and understand the world around them.

The Reggio Emilia philosophy believes in the rights and opinions of each child. A child is a competent, capable and natural researcher who has the desire for knowledge and life and is always ready for challenges.

The teacher plays a critical role by being the child’s partner and recognizing many learning possibilities. In order to further the learning process, teachers listen, observe, inquire, document, work together and reflect upon the experiences of children.

Each moment of your child's day at a KLA School is filled with meaningful experiences and thoughtful interactions. In order to understand children and the way they learn, teachers work diligently to document all aspects of the learning process. From daily journals, child specific observations and children’s artwork, all moments are considered pieces of the process and are made visible in the classroom for revisiting and reflection. Teachers and children alike are able to view their thinking and their learning process through documentation.

The spaces of the schools are both thoughtful and inviting. The Reggio Emilia Philosophy believes that the environment in which your child explores is the third teacher. Materials in the classroom inspire children to think outside the box.

We value parents as participants in their child¹s learning process. Their involvement in the school gives their children a sense of security and is deeply appreciated. This lends itself to having parents be a role model for their children, and for them to have an incentive for their own learning.