Launching into the Reggio Approach

Presenters: Koren Naylor and Sophia Williams

Date: Saturday 17 May

Time: 9.00am - 3.30pm

Venue: Evelyn Scott School (Early Learning Centre)

Category: Workshop

Registrations have now closed

Program Description

This workshop has been developed to provide a context for the educational project of Reggio Emilia in Australia, as an introduction or a chance to revisit. It is suitable for those at the beginning of their Reggio Emilia journey and also for those wanting to revisit and relaunch their understandings.

The workshop highlights and reinforces the complex structures, role and organisation which underpin the educational project of Reggio Emilia and provides examples where educators have contextualised these provocations in Australian educational settings.

The session focuses on:

• The cultural context and systemic organisation

• The search and research for a different approach to learning and teaching

• The principles of the Reggio Emilia educational project in practice.

About the Presenters:

Koren Naylor is an experienced Educator and Leader with over 25 years in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) across Melbourne and Ballarat. She is a passionate advocate for pedagogical leadership, professional learning, and understanding the needs of children, families, and communities, particularly in regional and rural areas.
Koren holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Disability Studies, a Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Master of Education (Leadership and Management). Since 2014, she has served as the Director of the Centre for Early Education (CEEd) at Ballarat Grammar and has been the Network Convenor for the Ballarat REAIE Network and Discussion Group since 2020.

Committed to fostering inclusive environments and promoting innovation, Koren sees her appointment to the inaugural REAIE Board as an opportunity to give back to the organisation that has supported her professional growth and to contribute to its continued success. Currently, Koren is leading the task group to progress planning for the 2025 REAIE Conference.

Sophia Williams, Principal of Blue Gum Community School, brings over two decades of experience and a passion for innovative, student-centric education grounded in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Beginning as an elementary teacher, she quickly became known for her creative methods and deep connections
with students, leading her to pursue a Master’s in Educational Leadership. At Blue Gum, Sophia has implemented a dynamic curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application, promoting holistic growth and academic excellence in students from Preschool through to Year 10. Sophia is passionate about incorporating creativity, nature education and community into everything that she sets her mind to.