REAIE appreciates and acknowledges the work of Early Childhood educators on Early Childhood Educators’ Day.
In Australia, where early childhood education is increasingly recognised for its impact on long-term learning and development, the Reggio Emilia Approach® offers a powerful framework for leveraging the expertise of educators to support and enrich the foundational years of a child’s life. In the Australian context, the Reggio Emilia philosophy highlights the crucial role the educators play in the early years of a child’s development, particularly in the first five years of life. This approach underscores that educators are not merely facilitators but active co-learners and co-researchers alongside children.
In Reggio Emilia, educators are seen as central to recognising children’s right to a rich responsive, learning environment where children’s innate curiosity and creativity are nurtured. The educator’s role involves observing and documenting children’s interactions and ideas, which informs the curation of thoughtful contexts of learning, honouring the uniqueness of children as part of the group, creating meaningful, individualised learning experiences. This collaborative process ensures that educational practices are deeply attuned to the funds of knowledge and theories, recognising the individual child as part of a dynamic and engaging learning community. This is supported by a rich and considered environment which promotes a dynamic and engaging educational journey.
This day honours the invaluable contribution of all educators, as we recognise the profound impact they have on our communities. We thank them for their unwavering dedication to the betterment of education and society.
