Furman – philosophy in practice

The philosophy here at Robertson Early Enrichment Program is based upon the belief that children learn through play. We’ve also adopted many of the key components of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. For example we believe that children are competent, capable and curious citizens, so we have a very high image of the child. We believe that the role of the families is incredibly important. We see parents as the child’s first teacher and we believe that parents are the experts of their children. So forming strong relationships with parents and having them be involved in their children’s learning is incredibly important to us.  

Our educators are seen as researchers and co-learners with the children. So if a child has a question, it’s not that the adults are the experts and provide the answers to those questions. We research those answers together. And our educators are given the time and space to do the research. So that’s also really important. 

We also do tons of documentation. So educators get the time to reflect and to make hypothesis of the children’s learning to work collaboratively with the other educators and other professionals that are involved with the children. So we do many different forms of documentation from learning stories to floor books to each child has their own portfolio which travels with them to room to room.  

And finally the environment is the third teacher, so we really believe that all children should be exposed to beauty and beautiful things. And going with our image of the child, so media is often in glass jars and vases, easily read. We believe that children should have exposure to living plants and being able to see their families. So lots of very beautiful things. So it’s – we’re very intentional and purposeful in how we design our classrooms for the children.