Why do we value a child-led Approach?
As we draw from the Reggio Emilia Approach, we believe that children have rights, a voice, and citizenship from infancy, and deserve respect and inclusion. Respect means setting boundaries and being a safe base, allowing space for their humanity and individuality, and acknowledging and validating their instincts, interests, and experiences. Inclusion means treating every child as a whole people who is capable of participating in society.
We want to trust and empower young children to follow their interests and lead their own learning. We know that this is how children - and all people - learn. Through intrinsically motivating and authentic experiences, children will engage with the world in the ways that support their unique developmental needs.
Children have many different tools for learning and expressing themselves. When we stop trying to fit children into predetermined boxes built from adult expectations, we can see them for the individuals they are. They are insightful human beings with brains that are constantly changing. We gain so much from learning how to listen to them (through a process of observing, reflecting, and supporting).
