The Reggio educational philosophy covers the rights of everyone involved. The child has the right to high quality care and education that promotes their development. Parents have the right to be involved in the school. Teachers have the right to develop professionally and to be involved in collaboration with other educators. Reggio acknowledges that student, parent, and teacher are all important aspects and each need to be supported.
Reggio is very child centered and child guided. Children learn though projects that interest them. Teachers are observers, documenters, and facilitators of learning. Parents are expected to be involved in the program not only for the benefit of their child, but to benefit all of the children at the school. The community is also involved, all the way up to the mayor. Reggio programs are completely developmentally appropriate and children are involved in the curriculum planning process.
Reggio refers to children with disabilities as “children with special rights” instead of “special needs”. That little word substitution could make a big difference to how a child and his/her parents feel. They aren’t a burden because they have special needs. They are being given exactly what they have the right to. Teachers who have children with special rights in their class have an extra teacher with them. They have access to a psychologist who provides them with training, technical assistance, support and professional development.
Children with special rights may stay at the school an extra year if they aren’t ready to move on. A wide variety of projects are offered that can be done in multiple ways. This ensures that children with special rights will be able to participate and to be involved with other children. The Reggio philosophy is very conducive to allowing children with special rights to have positive experiences.