Our History

"hundred languages of children."

-Loris Malaguzzi

The Reggio Emilia approach, developed in the mid-20th century by educator Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the Italian town of Reggio Emilia, emerged as a response to the devastation of World War II. Seeking a new, child-centered educational system, they created a philosophy emphasizing the potential of children, their rights, and their ability to construct knowledge through interactions with their environment/ nature.

This approach integrates the arts, natural elements, and collaborative project-based learning. It has since gained international recognition and is now implemented in schools worldwide, renowned for its innovative practices in early childhood education.

Here & Now

Now after years, that humble little town in Italy has inspired numerous schools across the world. Our school, Roots & Shoots is one of a handful found in Southern California. Roots & Shoots Preschool sought a location that would give space for the approach to be fully realized. We found it here, in the green orchards of Santa Rosa Valley, California.

As the Reggio Emilia philosophy is deeply integrated into every aspect of our educational approach and environment only, is adapted to our community needs and interests. We foster a child-led learning atmosphere enriched with natural elements, where children can explore and express themselves through the "hundred languages" of creative materials.

Our classrooms are designed to be safe and nurturing, encouraging independent exploration and positive self-concept.

We prioritize collaborative, mixed-age learning and actively involve families and the local community to reflect diverse cultures. Our teachers practice intentional and reflective teaching, using documentation to make learning visible and evaluable. By emphasizing art, creativity, and continuous research, we aim to cultivate a joyful, life-long love of learning, preparing children to become engaged, creative, and thoughtful adults.