This volume is a timeless contribution to the burgeoning dialogue on the Reggio Emilia approach, and features the work of prominent scholars, policy-makers, researchers, administrators, and practicing teachers who have created and directed the infant-toddler care systems in four cities in Italy. Joined by American educators and researchers (including Ron Lally, Rebecca New, and Jeanne Goldhaber), their work builds upon and extends inclusionary and family-centered philosophies. It combines missions of care and education, and produces innovations in space and environments. This collection is filled with dozens of examples of experiences with dynamic, open systems of organization that support emotional and cognitive development of infants and toddlers--and respect the delicate relationship between parents and their young. Also included are photos, some in color.

Topics include:

• Complementary family-centered systems of early care, education, and intervention
• Practical experimentation and teaching strategies like the inserimento (first transition of child and family into the center), and diario (memory book), as well as explanations of the rationale behind them
• Best practices for quality care programs with broad implications for reflective teaching in America's early care programs