Our Approach: Reggio Emilia-Inspired Learning at Curious Steps Childcare & Early Learning Center
At Curious Steps Childcare & Early Learning Center in Burien, our program is Reggio Emilia-inspired. This philosophy is rooted in respect for childhood, creativity and meaningful early learning experiences.
You may have heard of Reggio Emilia and Montessori and wondered how they differ. While both value hands-on learning, our approach blends intentional curriculum planning with the flexibility to follow children’s natural curiosity.
A Curriculum That Evolves With Children
Unlike some other Reggio Emilia programs, our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach includes following a monthly curriculum.
Our curriculum includes thoughtfully planned themes along with hands-on activities and experiences. These themes help us introduce seasonal learning, language development, art exploration and early academic foundations in a cohesive way.
However, what makes our program Reggio Emilia-inspired is that learning doesn’t stop at the theme.
If children show interest in something unexpected (insects in the yard, garbage truck outside, or mixing new paint colors) we expand on it. Teachers observe, listen, and build learning experiences around what genuinely excites the children.
This balance allows for structure while keeping learning engaging, personal and meaningful.
Hands-On Exploration & Creative Expression
In our program, children learn through:
• Art and open-ended crafts
• Sensory play
• Music and movement
• Nature exploration
• Collaborative projects
These experiences support language, social skills, problem-solving and confidence through joyful discovery.
The Environment as the “Third Teacher”
In true Reggio Emilia fashion, we view the classroom environment as a powerful part of learning.
Our space is intentionally designed to feel warm, beautiful and inviting - encouraging children to explore, create while feeling at home. Materials are thoughtfully chosen and rotated to support our themes and children’s developmental stages.
While some Reggio programs emphasize large quantities of loose parts, we take a more balanced approach; offering open-ended materials alongside structured learning tools to maintain both creativity and classroom flow.
Mixed-Age Learning Benefits
Our mixed-age setting is another meaningful element of our program.
Younger children learn by observing and interacting with older peers, while older children build leadership, empathy and confidence by modeling skills and helping others.
This natural peer learning creates a family-like environment that supports social and emotional development in a way single-age classrooms often cannot.
A Child-Centered, Heart-Led Philosophy
At its core, our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach is about honoring childhood.
We believe children learn best when they feel safe, inspired, and genuinely interested in what they’re exploring. By blending structured curriculum with child-led discovery, we create a program that nurtures creativity, independence and a lifelong love of learning.
