A group of early childhood educators visited St. Margaret’s Early School last week to observe innovative teaching practices centered on the Reggio Emilia approach and STEM education.

Dr. Stefania Rubino, Early School director and Dr. Sonia Yoshizawa, Early School pedagogista, hosted Laura Sanbrano, director of child care services at the University of California, Irvine, along with a team of early childhood teachers. 

During the visit, the group explored the Reggio Emilia approach, an educational philosophy that emphasizes child-centered, inquiry-based learning. The method encourages creativity, collaboration and exploration, allowing young learners to guide their own learning experiences with support from teachers.

The visiting educators also examined how STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — is incorporated into early childhood education. Teachers demonstrated strategies designed to foster problem-solving skills and encourage innovation among young learners.