Early Childhood Centers in Pistoia

I returned this week from a very rich experience, visiting the early childhood centers of Pistoia, Italy. These centers are not quite as well-known as those in Reggio Emilia, but from all reports they are every bit as good.  I think the most impressive single discovery I had in Pistoia was the leadership I saw throughout the system.  In the several centers we visited, there were very articulate and obviously experienced and competent pedagogues. They had been engaged, often for more than 20 years, in the development of a philosophy of early education, care, and family support.  The philosophy they espoused was quite consistent in each place my group visited—respect for children and families, welcoming children and families with open arms, developing and maintaining close family-like relationships with each child, including their parents, discovery, creativity, and connection with the community.  The second thing that impressed me was the level of investment in the centers—ample space, nice grounds surrounding the buildings, and a high degree of care and attention to the aesthetics of the environment.  “Making beautiful spaces for children that offer ‘provocations’ for children to discover, think, communicate, and relate closely to others.”  See the photos in this link to get a sense of these impressive early childhood programs.