OUR PHILOSOPHY

"The Reggio Emilia approach to teaching young children puts the natural development of children as well as the close relationships that they share with their environment at the center of its philosophy."

Contrary to the typical philosophy of many child care centers and preschools, Wild Poppy Atelier holds true to a philosophy and approach which fosters a child's right to explore, observe, hypothesize, question, and discuss to clarify their understanding. Children have rights and should be given opportunities to develop their potential. Influenced by this belief, the child is beheld as beautiful, powerful, competent, creative, curious, and full of potential and ambitious desires. 

The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based upon the following set of principles:
 

• Children must have some control over the direction of their learning

• Children must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing

• Children have a relationship with other children and with material items in the world that children must be allowed to explore

• Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves

Wild Poppy Atelier is a school designed to immerse children in a beautiful environment full of natural, organic materials. Endless potential derived from a wide variety materials and opportunities fill a child's day with the joy of learning through exploration. Mistakes are always learning experiences and they allow children to turn a corner and discover even more of the world.