Reggio Emilia Approach Mordialloc
Guided by educators who act as collaborators and co-researchers rather than instructors, your child is encouraged to explore, express and connect through art, conversation, nature and play. It's early learning that treats every child as capable, creative and full of potential.
Reggio Emilia Method of Education at TLC Early Learning
Born in the Italian town of Reggio Emilia in the 1940s, this approach to early learning was developed by educator Loris Malaguzzi and a community determined to give children a genuine voice in shaping their own world. At its heart is the belief that children are capable, curious and full of ideas, communicating through what Malaguzzi called their ‘hundred languages’: art, movement, storytelling, imagination and play.
At TLC Early Learning Mordialloc, Reggio Emilia isn’t a stand-alone program but woven into a broader, considered curriculum alongside Montessori and our funded Kindergarten offering. While Montessori invites children to build independence and master skills at their own pace within a structured, prepared environment, Reggio Emilia turns the lens outward: children work together on long-term projects, follow their own questions, and use the environment deliberately treated as the ‘third teacher’ for discovery and self-expression.
Where Montessori builds concentration, order and independence, Reggio Emilia builds collaboration, creativity and voice. Rather than choosing one over the other, TLC blends the calm, self-directed focus of Montessori with the inquiry, documentation and expressive freedom of Reggio Emilia, giving children the very best of structure and imagination, independence and connection.
Reggio Emilia Infant Program
From as young as six weeks, our Reggio-inspired Infant Program is grounded in relationships, trust, and rich sensory experiences. Every coo, reach, and first step is treated as meaningful communication, the very beginning of your child’s “hundred languages.”
- Aesthetically Considered Environment: Designed to invite gentle exploration through touch, sound, light, and natural movement
- Observation-Led Care: Educators observe and document emerging interests to shape a truly responsive environment
- Strong Foundations: Builds deep trust and emotional security as your baby takes their first steps in early learning
Reggio Emilia Method For Toddlers
As toddlers grow more mobile and independent, our Reggio Emilia program grows right alongside them. Rather than following a fixed lesson plan, toddlers help shape the direction of their own learning projects. At this stage, things explored are:
- Child-Led Exploration: Educators follow children's natural curiosity to guide everyday learning and discovery
- Open-Ended Play: Uses natural loose parts and versatile materials to spark early questions, ideas, and creativity
- Social & Emotional Growth: Fosters collaborative play experiences that build confidence and a genuine sense of belonging
Reggio Emilia Method Preschool Learning Programs
In the years before school, our Reggio Emilia Preschool program comes into full expression. Paired with our funded Kindergarten curriculum and Montessori’s focus on independence, children leave us as confident collaborators, communicators, and critical thinkers.
- In-Depth Project Work: Children collaborate in small groups on long-term, real-world investigations over days or weeks
- Visible Thinking: Encourages children to document their ideas through drawing, photography, and guided conversation
- Comprehensive School Readiness: Combines Reggio project work with structured independence to build eager, school-ready learners
Integrated, inclusive, and holistic
Reggio Emilia at TLC doesn’t exist in isolation, it’s part of a considered, whole-child approach to early learning. Our curriculum draws on the Early Years Learning Framework, Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, all set within an inclusive, intergenerational community.
Through our JELLYFISH program, children share regular activities with residents from TLC’s aged care community, a living extension of the Reggio Emilia belief that learning happens through relationships and community, not just the classroom.
What a Typical Day is like at TLC Early Learning
A day inside our Reggio Emilia program is rich, unhurried and full of discovery. Children move between small-group project work, open-ended play, outdoor exploration and quiet reflection, with educators documenting learning as it happens through photos, transcripts and children’s own words. There’s space for big ideas and long conversations, balanced with Montessori-inspired independence, nutritious meals and plenty of time outdoors.
Why Choose TLC Early Learning
At TLC Early Learning, we nurture the whole child by blending Reggio Emilia’s creativity, Montessori’s independence, and our unique intergenerational community. We value your child’s perspective as much as their progress, laying the foundation for the whole person they are becoming.
- For Your Child: Builds a genuine sense of belonging and the confidence to express their ideas freely.
- Capable Thinking: Empowers children to be seen and supported as capable, creative thinkers from day one.
- Balanced Pedagogy: Combines creative, project-based exploration with self-paced, hands-on independence.
- Parental Peace of Mind: Reassures you that your child is deeply cared for in a holistic, supportive environment.
Book a Tour
Curious about the Reggio Emilia approach in Mordialloc? At TLC Early Learning, we bring this world-renowned philosophy to life through rich, project-based learning where children’s ideas, questions and curiosity lead the way. Schedule a tour today to experience TLC Early Learning Mordialloc firsthand and learn more about our leading curriculum.
Our Other Programs At TLC Early Learning
Montessori Program
Reggio Emilia is just one part of TLC Early Learning Mordialloc’s considered curriculum. Learn more about our Montessori program here.
Reggio Emilia FAQs
Reggio Emilia is an educational philosophy that sees children as capable, curious communicators with a hundred different ‘languages’. This includes art, movement, conversation and play. Rather than following a fixed curriculum, educators follow the children’s own questions and interests, using long-term projects and a thoughtfully designed environment to support deep, collaborative learning.