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Seminar Series and Panel Discussions on the Reggio Emilia Approach

Exploring Innovative Education Practices

November 15 to 22, 2025

8 Days

Duration

Italy

Location

Educational Program

Trip Type

Round Trip

Airfare

$4,950

Cost


Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
​Director, Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy
CT Commissioner of Education, Emerita
Executive in Residence
Farrington College of Education
Sacred Heart University
860-463-5871 (cell)



  • Event Overview:

    • Join us for an engaging series of seminars and panel discussions that delve into the education programs in Italy, with a special focus on The Reggio Emilia Approach. Gain unparalleled insights from experts on the educational methods and practices that make Italy a leader in innovative education.
    • Discover how these strategies foster creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development in young learners, and explore how these approaches can be adapted to enhance educational outcomes in diverse contexts.
    • The November International Study Group is directed at teachers, professors and preschool directors.

Information about Reggio Emilia:

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. It is a pedagogy described as student-centered and constructivist that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. The program is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum. At its core is an assumption that children form their own personality during early years of development and are endowed with "a hundred languages" through which they can express their ideas. The aim of the Reggio approach is to teach how to use these symbolic languages (e.g., painting, sculpting, drama) in everyday life. It was developed after World War II by pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy, and derives its name from the city.


For more information, please read:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggio_Emilia_approach
International Study Group: https://www.reggiochildren.it/en/rc/education/study-groups/international-study-group-april-2024/

Key Highlights:

The Reggio Emilia Approach:
  • Explore the principles and practices of this renowned educational philosophy.

  • Understand how the environment, community, and relationships shape learning experiences.

  • Learn about the role of documentation in tracking and reflecting on student progress.


Innovative Education Programs in Italy:
  • Gain insights into various educational programs that have positioned Italy at the forefront of education innovation.

  • Hear from Italian educators and practitioners about their experiences and successes.


Panel Discussions and Expert Insights:
  • Participate in thought-provoking discussions with international education experts.

  • Engage with panels that cover a range of topics, from curriculum development to teacher training and student assessment.



Why Attend?

  Expand Your Knowledge: Enhance your understanding of innovative educational practices and how they can be implemented in different settings.

  Network with Experts: Connect with leading educators, researchers, and practitioners from around the world.

● Enhance Competitiveness: Gain valuable insights that are crucial for maintaining competitiveness in American educational institutions and businesses.

  Practical Tools and Strategies: Acquire practical tools and strategies to drive success in your educational endeavors.

Event Details:

  Dates: November 15 to 22, 2025

  Location: Reggio Emilia, Italy

    Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the best and bring back valuable knowledge to improve educational outcomes in your community. Register now to secure your spot!

    Hotel’s information:

    Mercure Reggio Emilia Centro Astoria Italy

    Mercure

    Address

    Viale Leopoldo Nobili, N°2, 42121 Reggio nell'Emilia RE, Italy

    Please note that the itinerary below corresponds to the program conducted in April 2025. As such, there may be changes to the schedule and presentations. A finalized program itinerary will be shared with participants closer to the travel date.*

    Day 1, Saturday

    • Depart from JFK to Bologna.

    Day 2, Sunday

    • Arrive in Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport
    • Transfer to the hotel, around 60 minutes
    • Welcome Dinner 
    • Overnight stay in Mercure Hotel

    Day 3, Monday


    Morning: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium


    9:00-13:00
    • Welcoming remarks

          Reggio Children

    • Welcoming remarks
         Introduction to the programme of the Study Group
         Reggio Children

    • The values of the educational experience of Reggio Emilia
          A day at the Preschool Neruda

    10:30-11:00
    • Light Break 

    13:00-14:30
    • Lunch at PAUSE and working in groups among the participants

    Afternoon: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium 

    14:30-16:00
    • One city, many children.

          A public integrated system for a school of quality. The value of organization.


    16:00
    • Buses from the International Centre to the Infant Toddler Centre 

    16:30-18:30
    • Visit to the Infant Toddler Centres (11 groups)

    18:30 
    • Buses from the Infant Toddler Centres to the city centre and to the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre

    Day 4, Tuesday


    Morning: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium

    9:00-13:00
    • Observation, documentation, interpretation.

          Daniela Lanzi, pedagogista - Preschools and Infant Toddler Centres - Istituzione of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia


    10:30-11:00
    • Light Break

    13:00-14:30
    • Lunch at PAUSE and working in groups among the participants
    • Afternoon: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium

    14:00-16:00
    • The Municipal Preschool and State Primary school at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
    • Preschools and Infant Toddler Centres - Istituzione of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia

    16:00
    • Buses from the International Centre to the Preschools:

    16:30-18:30
    • Visit to the preschool (11 groups)

    18:30 
    • Buses from the Preschools to the city centre and to the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre    

    Day 5, Wednesday

    Morning: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium

    9:00-13:00
    • It could become a more confident city.
          Children as protagonists of the city.
    • When you grow up…you think about your dream. Children and adolescenti si incontrano e si raccontano


    11:00-11:30
    Light Break 

    13:00-14:30
    • Lunch at PAUSE and working in group among the participants
    • Afternoon: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium 

    14:30-16:30
    • One world, many cities

    Day 6, Thursday

    Morning: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium 

    9:00-10:00
    • The culture of the Atelier 
    • Atelierista Reggio Children

    10:00-10:30
    • Light Break

    10:30-13:00
    Plenary session

    13:00-14:00
    Lunch at PAUSE and working in groups among the participants

    Afternoon:
    14:30-17:00
    Plenary session

    16:45-18:30
    • Visit to the preschool and primary school at the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre

    Day 7, Friday

    Morning: Loris Malaguzzi International Centre – Auditorium

    9:00-10:30
    • The piazza is a Continent


    10:30-11:00
    • Light break

    11:00-13:00
    • The image of the child and the idea of learning

    Conclusions of the Study Group

    13:00-14:30
    • Lunch at PAUSE 

    7:00pm
    • Farewell dinner

    Day 8, Saturday

    • Transfer to the airport by a private coach for the final departure

    Cost of the program includes:

    The cost of Reggio Emilia Approach which is 1400 Euro each person

    International flight from JFK Airport to Bologna (without checked in bag). Other flights from different States in America can be arranged for additional fees

    Lunch every day from Monday to Friday

    Hotel with breakfast included

    Welcome and Farewell dinner

    Transportation from the airport to the hotel in a private coach 

    Transportation from the hotel to the airport in a private coach 

    The cost of the trip is $4,950 (double-occupancy) per person

    * ​Single Room Upgrade: ​$750 for single occupancy

    This trip can be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities can cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for their faculty's participation.

    ARAMFO Payment Plan Options
    We believe that every participant should have the opportunity to travel without financial stress. That’s why we provide flexible payment options designed to accommodate different financial needs.

    Payment Plan Options
    🔹Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
    ✅ Pay the entire balance upfront at the time of enrollment.
    ✔ Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card, Debit Card, ACH, Personal Checks, and Bank Transfers.

    🔹 Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
    Set up automatic payments with no additional fees and spread out your balance for easy budgeting. Your full balance is scheduled until 30 days before departure.
    How It Works:
    • No registration or plan fee – completely free to join!
    • $300 first payment due within 30 days of registration to confirm your spot.
    • Flexible payment schedule: Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments based on your preference.
    • $1,500 payment must be completed no later than 60 days before departure.
    • Final balance must be completed no later than 30 days before departure.
    • No penalties for early payments – pay off your balance anytime!
      ✔ Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card, Debit Card, ACH, Personal Checks, and Bank Transfers (offering more flexibility)

    The cost doesn’t cover

    Travel and health insurance

    Tips

    Any activities not mentioned in the program

    Cancellation Policy:

    All cancellations must be received in writing.  The following cancellation schedule applies:

    • 70% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
    • 60% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
    • 50% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
    • No refund within 50 days of the departure date.

    Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
    ​Director, Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy
    CT Commissioner of Education, Emerita
    Executive in Residence
    Farrington College of Education
    Sacred Heart University
    860-463-5871 (cell)





    *There may exist minor changes in the program timetables and venues due the possible restrictions.