OUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
NSW has followed the guidelines of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) since our beginning in 1987. NAEYC believes that through a nurturing, high quality early childhood education (ECE) program, each child can grow socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively and creatively. Our studies inform us that although we are all created equal, our society does not treat us equally and so we embrace racial and identity development in equal importance to our physical, intellectual, or emotional development.
With a curriculum that is meaningful to them, children develop an understanding of concepts about themselves, others, and the world around them. They can seek solutions to concrete problems through observation and interaction with people and real objects.
Since 1998, we’ve been learning about the preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and have been very inspired by their values that speak to the importance of really understanding what children are asking us, creating environments that support their curiosity and valuing the involvement of teachers, parents, and community in the process. The Reggio Emilia Approach has us slowing down to observe, listen, reflect and find meaning in everything we do.
We are also proud to be part of The West Coast Collaborative, a group of 5 Reggio Emilia inspired preschools in dialogue since 1999 with communities, families, and teachers to forge cultures of progressive education.
Learn More About Our Teaching Technique
Take courses and earn your teacher certification in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Lead Teacher Advanced Studies with our own Pedagogista & Co-Director, Kristin Sherman, a course instructor at both UCLA Extension and Santa Monica College.
For those interested in learning more about the Reggio Emilia Approach, the Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi in Italy is open to visitors for both tours and professional development. They also have ONLINE COURSES available in over 100 languages.
For an in-depth exploration of how the Reggio Emilia approach relates to current early childhood education, UCLA Extension offers an online course Exploring Ideas from Reggio Emilia in American Context, which applies towards Title 22 Regulations and Title 5 Child Development Permits.
Visit Our Facility
If you are an educator or professional interested in exchanging ideas, getting to know more about our approach at The New School - West, and touring our facility, please connect with us. We look forward to hearing from you.
The New School - West
12731 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
info@newschoolwest.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
For educators and professionals.