Our Reggio Emilia based inspiration.

In the Reggio Emilia Approach, there is an expression, “A child has a hundred languages.” These languages--be it art, music, clay, dancing, building, digging in the dirt, writing, pretending to run a store--are how children build knowledge and make sense of the world around them.

At KLA Schools we utilize the Reggio Emilia Approach to integrate these languages into our classroom experiences, inspiring children to explore concepts and subjects more deeply. The result? Meaningful learning experiences for children, fulfilling opportunities for our educators, and empowered parents and families.

Our Shared Principles

The guiding tenets of the Reggio Emilia Approach are an integral part of the KLA Schools philosophy

Our philosophy and approach are unique and innovative, but our foundation--the Reggio Emilia Approach--is not new. It's time-tested, thoroughly researched, and backed by educators and professional organizations worldwide. Authentic Reggio Emilia-inspired programs like KLA Schools are actively guided and inspired by the principles below.

Image of the Child

At KLA Schools, children formulate their own ideas, draw conclusions, and share their knowledge in a collaborative learning environment. Children are seen as capable, competent researchers who are always ready to take on new challenges.

Environment as the Third Teacher

The environment—the third teacher in the children’s lives—reflects designed intention and purpose in every space. The classroom beams with life and the children’s traces stream in evidence all around.

The Role of the Teacher

Our educators understand their role as enhancing each child’s discovery and investigation. We believe in each child’s competency and potential, so we embrace their ideas and participation in their learning experience.

Documentation

In order to understand children and the way they learn, teachers work to document all aspects of the child's thinking and learning process. From daily journals to child-specific observations and artwork, all moments are considered part of the process and are made visible in the classroom for revisiting and reflection.

Parents as Partners

KLA Schools honors parents as the children’s first teachers. We count it a privilege to partner with them in their children’s educational journey. This lends itself to having parents be a role model for their children, and for them to have an incentive for their own learning.

About the Reggio Emilia Approach

Hailed by Newsweek as the “best preschool approach in the world," the Reggio Emilia Approach derives its name from its place of origin, Reggio Emilia, a city in the Emilia Romagna region of 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 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.