How Piccolini’s Place in Churchill Nurtures Creativity, Connection & Curiosity

At Piccolini’s Place Churchill, our early learning philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to childcare, believing every child is full of potential, creativity, and curiosity. If you’re looking for long day care in Churchill that values relationships, play, and thoughtful environments, here’s why so many families love Reggio Emilia, and how we bring it to life.

Origins of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy

The Reggio Emilia philosophy was founded in Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II by educator Loris Malaguzzi along with local communities. Their goal was simple yet powerful: create schools where children are treated as capable, curious citizens of their own learning.

This philosophy emphasizes listening, observing, and responding to each child’s interests. At Piccolini’s Place, we honour this origin by seeing each child as an active co-creator in their own learning journey.

Children as Capable, Curious Learners

One of the hallmarks of Reggio Emilia is that children are not passive receivers of knowledge. Instead, they are:

• Explorers who ask questions
• Learners who test out ideas
• Creators who express themselves in many different ways

At Piccolini’s Place, our educators pay close attention to what fascinates each child. We build learning experiences around those interests so learning becomes meaningful, joyful, and lasting. This child-led learning helps children gain confidence, independence, and love for discovery.

The Environment as the Third Teacher

In Reggio Emilia inspired childcare, the design of the space itself matters a lot. The environment becomes a “third teacher” alongside educators and families.

At our centre in Churchill:

• We use natural light and open, welcoming spaces.
• Materials are open-ended (not prescriptive) so children can use them in imaginative ways.
• There are connections to nature and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

These features help children engage, collaborate, think creatively, and feel emotionally grounded.

Family & Community Partnerships

Reggio Emilia works best when learning is supported in relationship. At Piccolini’s Place:

• We see parents and families as essential partners in their child’s learning.
• We invite you into dialogue: sharing observations, feedback, ideas.
• We build a community in Churchill where families feel heard, supported, and connected.

The “Hundred Languages” of Children

Children communicate and express ideas in many ways, through drawing, movement, storytelling, play, music, building, and more. This concept is often called the Hundred Languages of Children.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves in the way that fits them best. At Piccolini’s Place, we encourage multiple forms of expression, giving children time, materials, and encouragement to explore those languages.

Bringing Reggio Emilia to Life in Churchill

As our centre in Churchill moves from plan to build, we’re creating more than a facility, we’re creating a space for wonder, exploration, and belonging. Everything we do, from room layouts, to educator relationships, to family involvement, is infused with Reggio Emilia values.

Construction begins soon, and we are so excited to welcome local families into a centre where learning truly begins with curiosity.

Register Your Interest Today

We are now taking expressions of interest for enrolments at Piccolini’s Place Churchill.

By registering early, you’ll:

• Receive updates on building progress
• Be among the first to know when enrolments open
• Get invitations to preview days, meet-and-greets, and community events

[Register Your Interest Here]