An educational philosophy named for the place in Italy where it first evolved, Reggio Emilia is a unique and child centered approach to preschool and primary education. Faced with the devastation of World War II, the community of Reggio Emilia began rebuilding from the rubble – starting with the schools. Developed by Loris Malaguzzi (a teacher) and the parents of the city of Reggio Emilia, this system of education is a complex and evolving matrix of relationships and collaborations between children, parents and teachers. At the center of this philosophy is the vision of the child – as a capable, autonomous person charged with the realization and expression of their human potential.
The Portland Montessori Collaborative is moved and guided by the foundational ideas and practices common to the schools of Reggio Emilia. We embrace the idea that teachers are learners, and that long term projects are vehicles for learning. We see observational documentation is an essential tool for learning, teaching and research. We treat the environment as a teacher. We are committed to the idea that children communicate in many ‘languages’ and embrace their competence in developing methods for expression that are unique to each child.
Teachers at The Portland Montessori Collaborative are inspired by the work of the schools in Reggio Emilia and value opportunities to see how others are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach as well. We practice a unique blend of Montessori education with inspiration from the schools of Reggio Emilia, and call our approach Montessori Collaborative.
