Current Course Schedule

Reggio-Emilia Approach: Interpret Theory & Practice for Schools in U S (Infant - 5 Yrs)

The early childhood program found in Reggio-Emilia, Italy, incorporates an emphasis on the learning environment, process vs. product, developmentally appropriate practice, and the importance of the community of learners. Much of this philosophy reflects the culture of the Italians and is difficult to re-create in the United States. This workshop is meant to provide an introduction to the approach and will attempt to bridge The Reggio-Emilia theory with American culture. We will view the Reggio-Emilia approach as a means to combat the push-down curriculum, competition, product over process, and the jumping/skipping of learning stages we are now experiencing in this country.
Term(s) offered: Fall, Spring and Summer
Format: online (fall and spring)* Additional asynchronous work required ; on-campus (summer)* Summer 2024 class will meet online * Additional asynchronous work required

Course Number
TEED654N
Focus On
Ages Infant - 5 Years
Category
Credit-bearing Courses, Early Childhood, Online
Registration Options and Cost
$425 12.0 CTLE or 1.2 CEU
$1,868 1.0 Credits

Sections

Summer 2 2025

Section 1:
Date(s)
July 15, 16, 22, and 23 | Online*

Day and Time
Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM ET with additional asynchronous work

Registration Deadline
Jul 8, 2025

Register
- Patricia Watkins
  is currently an educational coach here at Bank Street, working with teachers across
  NYC to support early childhood math development. Before taking on this role she taught in a
  NYC Reggio Emilia influenced school for eight years, supporting programs for student’s ages 18
  months to 5 years old. Her continuing education included a visit to Reggio Emilia Italy,
  professional development workshops in NYC, and time being mentored by a Reggio Emilia
  coach. With a dual masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Fordham
  University, Pat has continued her relationship with Fordham as a Field Specialist and research
  assistant. Working on a series of children’s books has become one of her greatest pleasures, in
  conjunction with spreading the word about how Reggio Emilia can positively impact any
  teacher’s practice.
- Rafael Perez-Segura
  Rafael Pérez-Segura, MA, has taught for 11 years in Pre-school-5 classrooms. He is a fully certified teacher in both California and New York. Currently, he learns with 2 to 4 year olds at Mi Casita Preschool and Cultural Center in Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. He is also the Director of the school. At Mi Casita, Rafa is part of a team that is building a school based on relational cultural practices. He describes his pedagogy as embracing emergence in community. Pérez-Segura earned a masters degree in Elementary Education from Stanford University and a BA with a dual degree in Economics and Political Science From the University of Connecticut. He is certified in New York State for Childhood, Grades 1-6.

"The awareness that students in the class may not be able to adapt the philosophy in its entirety, and the push to consider what parts might be possible, was quite welcome."

"I enjoyed the mix of videos, readings, and hands-on activities as asynchronous work."

This class "helped me look at my approach to teaching."

"This was a wonderful course that pivoted to the needs of the group"

"Enriching and inspiring learning opportunity!"

I came away with "A clearer understanding of the Reggio approach, practical suggestions for the upcoming school year, feeling much more confident with my knowledge and ability to talk to parents/colleagues about this approach."

"I remembered the importance of free play, open ended art, and how fundamental it is for Children's problem solving, creativity, community work."