Parental choice and perceived benefits of Reggio Emilia inspired programs

ABSTRACT

Despite credible research to support a constructivist-based approach in early childhood programs, policymakers continued to push for a more academic-based philosophy in an effort to reach standardized testing goals. Reggio Emilia, a constructivist-based early childhood philosophy that originated in Northern Italy, has been shown to be an excellent model to facilitate optimum learning in young children. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate parental experiences when choosing the constructivist-based early childhood program, Reggio Emilia, for their children and to explore parents’ perceived benefits after their children attended. Five parents who had enrolled their children at a Reggio Emilia inspired program, Foundations Early Learning Center, in the American Midwest for a minimum of 6 months participated. Results indicated parents identified an overall satisfaction for choosing a Reggio Emilia experience for their preschool children. Ten perceived benefits were associated with their children after they attended the Reggio Emilia inspired program. Findings of the current study favour the choice of a constructivist-based Reggio Emilia inspired program over alternative options.

KEYWORDS:

• Early childhood education
• Reggio Emilia
• constructivist-based
• parent choice
• benefits of Reggio Emilia
• preschool
• philosophy

Acknowledgments

A loving acknowledgment to my faithful family. To my love, Steven Riley Harris, who never faltered in his belief in me while I achieved my dream. My children and best friends, Barrington Hotchkin Leo, and Riley Alene, who showed me the most important and joyous job in life is to be their mama. To my mother and father, who lovingly raised me to believe in myself and taught me to never give up, be adventurous, stay committed, and create my own path in life. My sister, Megan, who never stopped praying for my journey and my loyal brothers, Max and Brandon. To my Heavenly Father who is always my biggest fan.

In my first college human development course, I recall the stories of research conducted on babies living in Romanian orphanages of something I will never forget. The outcome of these studies displayed malnourishment, neglect, and resulted in severe cognitive, social, emotional, and physical delays of young children who lived there. Caregivers lacked the ability to love, nurture, and give appropriate care to the children that they needed in order to thrive. The influence of these early studies and with God’s direction, I have been given a strong desire to complete my doctorate in order to bring awareness of the impact that early experiences have on children’s lives. Thank you to all of the early childhood professionals who have dedicated their time to create change in the field. To my professors, especially Dr. Helen Hagens from Central Michigan University, who spurred a love for early childhood in me from the beginning. Thank you to my colleagues over the years: Roxy Greenspan and my colleagues at Google Children’s Centers who I felt honoured to learn alongside of. Thank you to my dear friend, Silvia Ferguson, who did nothing but encourage me

To Loris Malaguzzi and the community who worked tirelessly to bring about an educational project, Reggio Emilia that has changed the way the world views young children. Dr. Grace Lappin who faithfully walked alongside me during this never-ending doctoral process. To the late Dr. Darragh Callahan who passed away before I could complete my dissertation, but the influence she brought to my research will always be remembered. Dr. Terri Edwards who stepped in and has been so gracious to support my efforts. To all the early childhood educators who work tirelessly and are dedicated and passionate about providing a loving, engaging, and intentional experience without what feels to be little acknowledgment from our society. Let us be the change to shine a light on the importance and significance of experiences in early childhood.

Disclosure statement

The aim of the current doctoral study was to bring awareness to others of perceived benefits and overall lived experiences of parents who chose a constructivist-based Reggio Emilia early childhood philosophy over alternative program options for their children in the American Midwest. Results from the current study indicated the approval from parents who chose a Reggio Emilia early childhood philosophy for their children. Parent participants in the current study explained that part of their satisfaction for choosing the Reggio Emilia inspired program for their children was because the philosophy honoured children’s capabilities and included children as active participants in their education. The integration and expansion of Reggio Emilia philosophy into more early childhood programs in the United States has the potential to result in developmentally appropriate, beneficial, valuable, and joyous learning experiences for young children and their families.

Note on contributor

Heidi Harris, Ph.D. is an adjunct professor in Early Childhood Education at Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio and Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. Heidi has a passion for integrating and understanding for the main tenets of Reggio Emilia practices with her pre-service educator students. Heidi lives with her husband and two children outside of Ann Arbor Michigan where they enjoy spending time at church, homeschooling, and embracing nature and the great outdoors all year long.