Community and School Partnership

"...you don't understand the schools in Reggio Emilia, if you don't understand the city and community." - Jerome Bruner

Map of the city created by the children

The Reggio Emilia philosophy views children as the collective responsibility of the local community.  I began to understand the cities commitment to the children as I wandered the city on my first morning in Reggio Emilia.  There are signs of the children throughout the city.  Children's art work and documentation are displayed on a tunnel near the train station.  Large wood statues of animals created by children are on display near the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, a dedicated meeting place for professional development and research of the Reggio Emilia approach.  It is apparent that children are valued in this city.  

"The early childhood education investment is the community future investment." - James Heckman

Community and parental participation has been a part of the schools since their birth and continues today. Fifty years ago, the school and city government committed to the creation of an ethical community. As a result the Reggio Emilia schools have continued to thrive due to constant dialogue (collaboration) in the choices made in support of the children's education.  The level of community involvement in the schools is like nothing I have witnessed before.  Parents and politicians are collaborators and active participants in their child's education.  

The children were commissioned by the city to create
a stage curtain for the local theater.

From an early age the children understand that they are a piece of the whole.  Stewardship and citizenship are a part of the educational process.  Children assist in the school kitchen and help throughout the school.  Many children that attend Reggio Emilia schools later become volunteers and participate in community service.  They display a strong sense of community pride.

My "ah-ha moment" was that I could feel the importance and value of the children throughout the city.