St. Margaret’s Early School welcomed local early childhood educators recently for an Orange County Reggio RoundTable focused on exploring the principles and practices of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.

The gathering brought educators together for an opportunity to tour St. Margaret’s Early School classrooms and observe how learning environments are designed around children’s interests, questions and developmental needs.

During the visit, participants explored classrooms where materials, furniture and learning spaces are intentionally arranged to encourage curiosity, collaboration and independent discovery. According to Dr. Stefania Rubino, Early School director, the environment serves as an integral part of the learning experience. “The indoor and outdoor classrooms offer young learners opportunities to investigate ideas and make their thinking visible through hands-on exploration.”

Educators also met with Early School teachers for discussions about Reggio-inspired teaching practices. Conversations centered on the role of observation and listening in understanding children’s ideas, as well as the importance of creating learning environments that encourage children to ask questions, share perspectives and take an active role in their learning.

The event concluded with a presentation led by Dr. Rubino, who provided an overview of the Early School’s program and pedagogical philosophy. The presentation offered participants a closer look at St. Margaret’s Early School daily practices and its approach to fostering children’s sense of wonder, curiosity and agency within the school community.

The RoundTable reflected a broader effort among early childhood educators to exchange ideas and examine ways Reggio-inspired principles can inform classroom practice.

For the Early School, the gathering provided an opportunity to share its approach while learning alongside educators committed to honoring children’s ideas and experiences as an essential part of the learning process. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share our journey and to collaborate with fellow educators who are passionate about honoring children’s learning in a Reggio-inspired way,” said Dr. Rubino.