I just called and asked a licensing specialist about incorporating the Reggio Emilia Approach into my daycare and was told that if I use the small things they suggest such as stones, rocks, dried beans (to scoop from one bowl to the other), sea shells, etc., I will be written up as having potentially dangerous items around the children. I told her that Reggio Emilia is supposed to be a very good program to use and she said she didn't care. If the children have access to anything that is bigger than the opening to a paper towel holder, I will be written up. She said the Reggio Emilia Approach needs to be used for school agers, not younger children due to the potential choking hazards.

I knew I wasn't going to be able to use those little items. I can, however, use the Reggio Emilia Approach if I use bigger items than they typically do and no glass or anything that they might more likely be able to be hurt by.

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I think you can easily incorporate Reggio theories with infants and toddlers. You really need to spend very little to do so, many items are free if you are willing to do some leg work:

Nature:
pine cones
rocks in various sizes
tree cookies (find some decent size branches and have sliced into thin and/or thick slices)
leaves (this could be sensory play or they can be laminated and hung for viewing or used for rubbings, etc)
pine tree branches
thick branches
tree bark chunks
driftwood

Paper

Gift wrap (think different designs, not characters, etc)
wax paper
mylar paper
foil
parchment

Fabric

old curtains
burlap
old clothing cut up (denim, corduroy, silk/satin, socks with feet cut off, etc.)
call a local seamstress or fabric shop and ask for remnants

Home Depot , carpentry or building supply stores

Carpet samples
wallpaper sample books
paint card samples
wood scraps
ceramic tile samples
pvc pipe scraps

Butcher

Cardboard tubes from butcher paper rolls

Local newspaper

end rolls of newsprint

Winery or local bar

corks
boxes from wine bottles

other stuff from Around the house

caps from old markers
milk bottle caps
clothespins
plastic cups for stacking
drink coasters

The possibilities are endless. I suggest sitting down with pen and paper and brainstorming ideas for loose parts. Then start collecting!

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Also, keep in mind the importance of sensory based experiences and art:

Water play - add measuring cups, strainers, sifters, turkey basters, etc
Make mud
Leaves and nature based items
Goop made from cornstarch and water
Sensory bottles: use empty water bottles, add water and glitter or beads, etc. glue cap on.
Herbs and spices on a cutting board with large stones for grinding (can later be used in art activities)
Old wind chimes
Cut crepe paper in to long strips and provide while playing music

ART:

CLAY, not playdough. This can be purchased at local college bookstores for around $11 for a 25 pound bag
Paint - lots of paint You can make fingerpaint out of cornstarch, boiling water and either food coloring or left over tempura paint mixed in
Glue - add food coloring for use as paint or offer collage supplies and heavy cardboard
Ample drawing materials - pencils, pens, markers, oil pastels, crayons and lots of paper

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The environment:

VERY organized, clean and safe
Ample natural lighting - if not possible, plenty of other lighting
Mirrors
Baskets
Clear containers
Soft, cozy areas
Areas for getting away from it all - even a sheer curtain over a table with a pillow and basket of books underneath will do

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The role of the teacher:

Consistent supervision
Ask open-ended questions while children explore to encourage creativity and critical thinking
Be open-minded and flexible. Don't adhere to a set project, allow children to change the direction of play based on their interest

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All great ideas!

My friend runs a Montessori program for 3-6 year olds (mostly 3's and 4's). She has had to argue with her licenser about her workbench. It has real (small) hammers and nails. Because she could show not only the pedagogy behind it but also her formal training, they let her keep it.

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I have done the same thing.

BTW....this is Crystal. How ya doing Heidi?

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Thanks, those are good items that are bigger, child proof items. I couldn't use the smaller items like wine corks or marker tops, though. But most of the things you listed are big enough that I won't get written up for them.

I don't get it though. Because I can use the little plastic counting bears and other plastic, non-baby proof items. But I keep them stored in the other room. I might just call the specialist back and discuss that fact. I wonder if I keep all the smaller items in another room and just bring them out one at a time when I am supervising them with that particular item, if I would then be allowed to use the smaller items.

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I store smaller items on higher shelves for older children and larger items on lower shelves.

And I am calling BS on your assessor......she sounds like she hasn't a clue about Reggio

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