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October 5, 2006
REGGIO EMILIA COMES TO SONOMA COUNTY
Petaluma, California…Community Preschool of Petaluma will be
introducing the world renowned Reggio Emilia preschool
education model when it opens in October, 2006, the first of
its kind in Sonoma County.
The new school is located at 76 Oak Street in Petaluma and is
geared for children ages two and a half (2.5) to five years
(5) years old.
First developed in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region during the
post World War II years, Reggio Emilia has gained wide
recognition over the past 60 years as an international model
for early childhood education and was picked by Newsweek in a
1991 story as the best preschool program in the world. In
2003, the Boston Globe did an extensive story on the subject
of Head Start and early childhood education, again holding up
Reggio Emilia as leading the way in the field.
Renee Whitlock-Hemsouvanh, the executive director of the
Community Preschool of Petaluma, said she is pleased to be the
first to bring the richness of the Reggio Emilia curriculum to
Petaluma and Sonoma County preschools.
“Our Reggio-inspired program offers an emergent curriculum
that includes literacy, art, science, math, dramatic play,
outdoor play, gardening, cooking, music and even yoga,” she
said.
The facilities include a separate art studio for deep
exploration of materials, which encourages self-expression,
collaboration, and critical thinking.
“I’m also very pleased and proud of the quality of our
teachers who have advanced degrees in education and are CPR
certified,” Whitlock-Hemsouvanh said.
The school will be offering half or full day programs with an
option for extended care.
Nutritious organic meals and snacks are also provided as part
of each days activities.
For enrollment information the school may be reached at (707)
765-2325.
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