Explorers Early Learning to take Reggio Emilia study tour

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Explorers Early Learning will undertake a study tour next year, with 25 of its employees visiting Reggio Emilia in Italy in May 2024. 

The study tour is not just about visiting the town, but also about “bringing the essence of Reggio Emilia back to our Explorers family,” explained Lynda Salvo, Explorers Founder and CEO.

“We anticipate this will become an annual highlight, shaping our collective understanding and enriching the educational experiences we offer.”

This opportunity, Ms Salvo said, “reflects Explorers’ commitment to cultivating excellence in early childhood education and providing unique professional growth experiences” for its dedicated team.

The internal application process has opened, inviting participation from employees from across Explorers’ network of centres to put forward their perspectives about why they should be considered.

Ms Salvo will accompany the cohort, along with early childhood education consultant, Kerrie O’Neill, who brings with her over 27 years’ experience working with the principles of Reggio Emilia.

The primary objective of the study tour is to deepen participants’ understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. On the tour participants will engage with pedagogistas, atelieristas, and teachers during full days of presentations, visits to infant-toddler centres and preschools, along with an exploration of an atelier to view current exhibits of documentation.

Participants will share their knowledge with the broader Explorers network on returning to Australia. Explorers envisions that this trip will become an annual tradition, providing an extraordinary learning opportunity to a different group of employees each year.

For more information, please visit the Explorers Early Learning website here.