The educator's perspective : implementing the Reggio Emilia approach in the classroom.

Abstract

This study explored the possible challenges teachers face in the implementation of the Reggio Emilia Approach in American classrooms. The Reggio Emilia Approach is highly-respected, internationally as an exemplary early childhood education program, yet in the United States many have never heard of it. The researcher investigated the challenges faced by the teachers, the parent's reaction and the level of support received from the administration when implementing the Reggio Emilia Approach. Using survey questionnaires completed by educators, observation, field notes and direct information received from lectures held by specialists in the Reggio Emilia Approach, the researcher was able to determine that training is often times quite expensive and difficult to find. Therefore, parents, educators and administrators do not fully understand the approach. Other factors challenging the implementation of the approach were money, educators not embracing the non-traditional concepts and educators feeling that they do not have enough time in their days to fully implement the Reggio Emilia Approach in facilities that are Reggio-inspired.--Abstract.