Reggio-Emilia Inspired Teaching
at Discovery Village
At Discovery Village, we believe that joy is the engine of learning. Our curriculum is not a predetermined path, but a dynamic, emergent journey co-constructed by our educators, our environment, and the innate curiosity of each child.
We empower children to be active participants in their education, fostering capable, creative, and critical thinkers.
Our Framework:
The Reggio Emilia Philosophy
Our approach is inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy, which shapes every aspect of our learning environment.
The Hundred Languages of Children: Children are encouraged to express their understanding and thoughts in countless ways through painting, sculpture, drama, music, writing, and more.
The Educator as Researcher & Guide: Our teachers observe, document, and facilitate learning, introducing provocations that deepen and expand on children's interests.
At Discovery Village we view all children as capable individuals, as problem-solvers, as explorers, as innovators, as communicators and as being valued members of our community.
The Environment as the Third Teacher: Our classrooms, Atelier, and outdoor space are intentionally designed to provoke inquiry, discovery, and collaboration.
Our Curriculum in Action: Emergent and Project-Based
Learning emerges from the questions and interests of the children. A simple question about a bug on the playground can transform into a multi-week project exploring life cycles, habitats, and symmetry in nature. This project-based learning ensures deep, meaningful engagement and makes learning relevant and memorable.
Infant Program (1 month - 15 months)
Our infant program is where the first foundations of learning are built through trusting relationships and sensory exploration. We create a warm, secure "home-away-from-home" environment where our trained educators respond to infants' cues with intention, laying the groundwork for all future learning. Through carefully curated sensory materials, early language exposure, and nurturing routines, we support each child's natural development in a space designed for both comfort and discovery.
Toddler Program (15 months - 2.9 years)
As toddlers begin to assert their independence, our program provides safe boundaries for exploration within a predictable routine. Our educators facilitate language development through consistent conversation, introduction of early concepts like colors and shapes, and opportunities for purposeful movement. The classroom environment is designed to support growing autonomy while fostering the social-emotional skills that form the basis of all future relationships.
Preschool Programs (2.9 - 4 years)
In our Preschool classrooms, learning becomes increasingly collaborative and project-based. Children develop crucial social-emotional skills, including sharing, empathy, and conflict resolution, through guided group interactions. Our educators skillfully observe children's interests and introduce extended project work that naturally incorporates pre-literacy, mathematics, and scientific thinking. This is where children truly begin to see themselves as capable members of a learning community.
Pre-K & Kindergarten (4 - 7 years)
Our Pre-K and Kindergarten program represents the culmination of our educational continuum, preparing children for a confident transition to elementary school. While maintaining our child-centered approach, we introduce more structured literacy and mathematics instruction through programs like Fundations for phonics. Students engage in deep, investigative projects that integrate science, social studies, and the arts, ensuring they meet or exceed Massachusetts Common Core standards while maintaining their innate love of learning.
Consistent Excellence Across All programs
Throughout all age groups, we maintain the hallmarks of our educational approach:
Low Teacher-to-Child Ratios for personalized attention and deeper relationships
Emergent, Project-Based Curriculum that responds to children's interests and questions
Intentional Classroom Environments that serve as the "third teacher"
Documentation of Learning that makes each child's thinking visible
Strong Family Partnership through continuous communication via the Procare app
Book a Tour at Discovery Village
The depth of our curriculum is best understood in person. We invite you to visit our Waltham campus, observe our classrooms in action, and speak with our Director of Curriculum. See how we make learning visible every day.
Get Our free Parent Pack
Explore our educational philosophy in detail. Our FREE Parent Pack includes an in-depth look at our Reggio Emilia approach, our classroom environments, and our learning objectives.
We are currently recruiting
Click here to find out more.
Find us
295 Weston St, Waltham Massachusetts 02453
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Copyright © 2025 Discovery Village Child Care Center