The Ateliers

In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, curriculum is not pre-planned in a rigid way, but rather emerges from children’s interests, questions, and daily experiences. Teachers observe thoughtfully, listen deeply, and document children’s words and actions. From this documentation, teachers design proposals—intentional experiences, materials, and provocations—that extend children’s thinking. 

Our emergent curriculum fosters dynamic, engaging learning experiences within a supportive environment, with the environment itself acting as the "third teacher," inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Small group experiences allow children to explore topics deeply, at their own pace, and with a focus on individual interests, skills, and abilities. Both planned and spontaneous lessons unfold in diverse spaces like the atelier, garden, and creek, encouraging a rich connection to nature and the environment as essential tools for learning.

In November 2023, Nicole had the privilege of joining the North American Reggio Study Group to visit Reggio Emilia, Italy, during the 60th anniversary of the city’s first municipal preschool, Preschool Robinson. It was a profound reminder that being “Reggio” isn’t about following a rigid curriculum or model—there is no cookie-cutter mold or blueprint to being Reggio; it’s about a mindset and a responsibility to care for children wholeheartedly. Being Storybook is about honoring the rights of children, supporting the adults who care for them, and creating intentional learning experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, discovery, and joy. 

There are many wonderful ways to approach early childhood education and quality preschools in Sonoma County, but what makes each preschool unique is its way of being. Storybook Village Preschool is all about loving and celebrating the children as a community. Certain agreements promise practices and procedures to ensure children, families, and teachers receive quality care.