Principles of our Reggio Emilia approach

  • Children are seen as strong, capable, and full of potential, with a natural curiosity that drives their learning.

  • Learning happens in many ways—through art, movement, play, storytelling, and more. Children express themselves in diverse and creative ways.

  • Educators act as guides and collaborators, observing, listening, and supporting children’s exploration rather than simply providing answers.

  • Classrooms are thoughtfully designed to inspire creativity, exploration, and collaboration, with natural materials, open-ended spaces, and documentation displays.

  • Children engage in long-term, inquiry-based projects that emerge from their interests, encouraging deep thinking and problem-solving.

  • Teachers document children’s work through photos, notes, and displays to make learning visible, reflect on progress, and engage families in the process.

  • Learning is a shared experience between children, teachers, and families, fostering a strong sense of community and connection.

  • Play is an essential part of learning, allowing children to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world in a joyful and meaningful way.

The Atelier and the Atelierista.

At Blossom Heights School, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, the Atelier is a vibrant, creative space where children explore, experiment, and express their ideas through various artistic and sensory materials. This studio serves as a hub for inquiry, imagination, and collaboration, encouraging children to communicate their thoughts in multiple ways—known as the "hundred languages" of children.

Guiding this exploration is our Atelierista, a dedicated artist-educator who works alongside students and teachers to integrate artistic expression into everyday learning. The Atelierista fosters curiosity, supports creative problem-solving, and helps children bring their ideas to life through mediums such as painting, sculpture, natural materials, and digital media. This unique role enriches the learning experience, reinforcing the deep connection between creativity and knowledge-building in our Reggio-inspired environment.

Mariana Madrigal Mendoza

Blossom Heights School Atelierista

My journey with Blossom Heights Child Development Center began in 2012. After a period back in my native Costa Rica, where I grew up playing outdoors with my sisters, I was drawn to return, as this center truly resonates with me.

I am passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which emphasizes hands-on experiences, art, and reflection. My professional development has been enriched by various training sessions, including those with Bev Boss, and deepened at the Narea Conference in Canada in 2023. Further, I had the privilege of visiting Reggio Emilia with our director, Linda, for a conference. In Reggio Emilia, I learned the approach emphasizes intentionality, understanding community values, and building meaningful connections through art and hands-on experiences. These values, encompassing families, children, and teachers, are reflected in our work here at Blossom Heights.