The Early Education Department embraces essential principles of child development aligned with the California Preschool Learning Foundations and the 12 Principles of Child Development of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Our preschool programs use an approach that is recognized by NAEYC and California Development of Education as valid, high quality and sustainable approaches to the education of young children. These approaches because are well suited for preschool students, developmentally appropriate, attuned to individual uniqueness, and responsive to the social and cultural needs and context of our students.
The Reggio Emilia-Inspired Approach respects and supports children's capabilities to construct their own knowledge. Reggio educators’ collaboration with children and adults is evident in the following aspects of their educational philosophy: participation; on-going professional and staff development; collegiality; school environment; family and community involvement; documentation; research; study and experimentation; and social constructivism.