When it comes to early childhood education, most people have heard of Montessori or Waldorf. But there’s another beloved educational approach quietly shaping classrooms—and even nanny-led homes—around the world: Reggio Emilia.

Developed in Italy after World War II, Reggio Emilia education celebrates curiosity, creativity, and child-led discovery. And while it’s commonly used in preschools, this approach adapts beautifully to home environments, making it an excellent fit for families who value experiential, play-based learning—and for nannies who want to offer more than just basic care.

1) What is the Reggio Emilia Philosophy?

The Reggio Emilia philosophy was developed by Italian educator and humanitarian Loris Malaguzzi in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy. It was created with one foundational belief in mind: children are strong, capable, and naturally driven to learn.

Rather than viewing children as passive recipients of knowledge, Reggio Emilia treats them as active participants in their own learning journey, encouraging exploration, expression, and social interaction every step of the way. Since there’s no formal Reggio certification, home-based and school environments vary in how they interpret and implement the approach.

The philosophy is built on five core principles:

  • Children can construct their own learning.
  • Children are natural communicators.
  • Learning happens through relationships with peers, adults, and the world.
  • Adults are collaborators, not lecturers.
  • The environment acts as a “third teacher.”

Unlike traditional approaches, there is no set curriculum in Reggio Emilia. Instead, activities evolve in response to what the child shows interest in. It’s education that starts with them.

2) Why Reggio Emilia Works in a Nanny Setting

One of the reasons the Reggio Emilia approach is so effective in home-based environments is its flexibility. You don’t need a classroom or a full teaching team to apply Reggio values; you need a caregiver who’s attentive, curious, and intentional.

Nannies who work with one or a few children at a time can:

  • Follow each child’s unique interests deeply and immediately.
  • Create individualized activities and projects.
  • Foster consistent relationships that promote social-emotional growth.
  • Use the home and the surrounding environment as a rich learning space.

Because Reggio Emilia doesn’t rely on standardized activities, it naturally fits into the rhythm of a child’s day, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for exploration.

3) Core Reggio Principles Nannies Should Know

If you’re a nanny wanting to bring more Reggio inspiration into your care style, focus on these four key areas:

a) The Arts

In Reggio Emilia, creative expression is essential. Drawing, painting, sculpting, singing, and dancing aren’t just for fun; they’re ways for children to process what they’re learning and communicate what they know. Provide open-ended art materials and follow the child’s creative impulses. There’s no right or wrong result, just exploration.

b) Sensory Engagement

Children in Reggio-inspired homes are encouraged to use all five senses. That could mean exploring a sensory bin filled with rice, tasting new fruits, touching tree bark on a walk, or listening to the sound of different musical instruments. The goal is to help children stay grounded in their surroundings while they learn.

c) Language & Cultural Exposure

Language is celebrated in all forms—spoken, written, sung, and signed. If you’re bilingual, use that skill to enrich a child’s exposure. If not, consider including multicultural books, global music, and stories from other parts of the world to broaden their horizons. Ask families how they’d like to incorporate additional language development, especially if they’re raising multilingual kids.

d) Environment as the “Third Teacher”

In Reggio Emilia, the space where children learn is just as important as the people guiding them. Clean, calm, beautiful environments inspire children to explore. Look for ways to make the space feel open and inviting, using natural light, rotating toys to reduce clutter, and including real-life objects that encourage imaginative play.

4) How to Bring Reggio Emilia into Your Nanny Routine

You don’t have to overhaul your entire caregiving approach to start practicing Reggio Emilia. Begin with small changes:

 

a) Follow the Child’s Interests

Notice what topics your nanny kids are drawn to. Are they obsessed with construction vehicles? Create a day around building blocks, drawing dump trucks, reading about machines, and maybe even visiting a construction site (safely, of course!). Let their curiosity guide your planning.

b) Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of giving directions or facts, try:

  • “What do you think will happen next?”
  • “How did that feel?”
  • “Why do you think that happened?”

This invites kids to develop critical thinking skills and reflect on their experiences.

c) Document the Learning

Reggio educators often document children’s progress through photos, drawings, and journaling. As a nanny, you can do the same! Take notes, snap pictures, and share them with parents to show how their child is growing and learning each day.

d) Make Time for Reflection

Offer quiet time for kids to revisit their work or re-tell a story from the day. This reinforces learning and shows them that their thoughts and ideas are valued.

The Reggio Emilia approach is all about trusting children as capable, creative learners. When nannies and families embrace this philosophy even in small ways, it transforms the caregiving experience into something deeper and more meaningful.

Whether you’re building forts out of cardboard, exploring a muddy garden, or crafting sculptures with clay, you’re not just filling time. You’re honoring a child’s voice, their pace, and their unique way of seeing the world.