The Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of education that originated in Northern Italy. GRCDC does not intend to exactly duplicate the philosophy because the children, families and teachers of Grand Rapids, Michigan offer a different culture, location and perspective. Rather, Reggio is used as an inspiration for what happens at GRCDC.
At the heart of what makes GRCDC look and act differently than other schools is their belief and adoption of the Reggio view of children, called the Image of the Child. Fundamentally, children are viewed as competent, curious, full of knowledge, potential, and interested in connecting to the world around them. Teachers are deeply aware of children’s potentials and construct all of their work and environment of the children’s experience to respond appropriately. This lens in which children are viewed is the foundation for the how school life plays out everyday. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is an approach to teaching, learning and advocacy for children. It is a way of observing what children know, are curious about and what challenges them. Teachers document these observations to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways to guide the children as they expand their academic and social potentials. Long term projects within the classroom connect the children’s interests to core academic standards. When asked about where the rubber meets the road in regards to Reggio at GRCDC, one teacher said, “We are deliberate about listening and following the lead of the students. By learning how they want to explore a concept and by using their ideas in how to dig in, the students value their understanding and have ownership. Ultimately, it creates life long learning.”
