Activity 1.6 | Articulating a Vision for Your Program

In this final activity of Module One, you are asked to consider an inclusive vision for your program. 

Watch Peter Moss, author of the renowned book "Alternative Narratives in Early Childhood," discuss Reggio Emilia Schools and Loris Malaguzzi, one of the leaders in the development of the schools, in this 2019 YouTube video, "The Educational Project of Reggio Emilia"

Moss contends that Reggio Emilia emerged in a specific time and place and he calls it a local cultural project. Following World War II there was a feeling that children must learn to think critically about events and society in order to avoid authoritarian governments that can lead to war. Loris Malaguzzi was one of these people.  He along with others wanted schools to be democratic communities, where children learn to think and act for themselves. Over time building on this idea along with others an educational philosophy emerged. This philosophy was influenced by many theorists, such as Vygotsky, Piaget, Dewey, and Froebel, of the time and continues to learn from other ideas and thinking. Think back to your learning in ECE and revisit some of the theories that you have learned.

As Malaguzzi and his collaborators grew their vision of education for their municipality they thought deeply about education, learning, the image of the child, and relationships. Learning is about relationships with adults, with other children, with materials, and with the world. Relationships are key to all of us and children arrive in our programs already in a web of relationships. Listening is important in creating and maintaining relationships. Listening can be the beginning of authentic conversations.

Reggio Emilia schools work collaboratively building a democratic community where everyone’s voice is listened to and given space. The concept of democracy runs throughout the schools from the classroom and relationships with families to the management. They wanted to change the image of schools as part of the community and listen to the concerns of families and educators.

How well do you listen?

Consider these reflective questions and capture your thoughts in your journal:  

• What is important to you as you develop a vision for your program? How does this vision work to create a more positive community? 

• How might you listen closely to children, families and educators? What might you learn? 

• What does a relationship mean to you and how might you ensure that you create a space for everyone to feel free to share their ideas and concerns? 

Articulating our visions, our ideas about young children and their care, as well as our reasons for our thinking helps communicate to others our priorities and focus. As a manager, you want to encourage your colleagues to think with you and add their understanding to a vision for the program. To have a good program everyone works together supporting each other as you support children and families. As an educator sharing what guides your practice and listening to others will help you build a philosophy that is dynamic and thoughtful.