Here at Little Chickens I engage the Reggio Emilia philosophy which views children as: “Rich in resources, strong and competent, unique individuals.”
Welcome!
Little Chickens is a licensed Family Childcare Home in Fort Collins, Colorado. As the care provider and educator, I am passionate about the Reggio Emilia philosophy, originating in Italy. I have done research and a variety of investigations of the Reggio Emilia approach, and use it as a foundation for our program, which evolves with the age of your child.
I also incorporate the Learning Stories process, created in early childhood programs in New Zealand, which uses assessment and feedback journals to encourage each child’s individual learner identity.
At Little Chickens, your child would be one of a small group of children (4-5) in a similar age range. Curriculum, projects, and provocations are designed to follow and enhance your child’s learning journey. Observation and documentation encourage children to be the protagonists in their own learning stories.
Children need a safe space to freely inquire and create.
Their earliest explorations ignite and nurture the creative imagination — a foundation for resilient, life-long learning and adaptation.
Our Mini Alterier, where we do indoor art and projects.
Our outdoor messy space where we do sensory projects, messy art, and explorations.
Our outdoor play space, a large yard with mature landscaping and shade, includes a mud kitchen. sand play area, and climbing area.
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education has a deep history as well as connection to human development psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Lev Vigotsky. It originated in the town of Reggio Emilia in Italy during post-WWII reconstruction. A group of dedicated and passionate professionals shared both the philosophy and working practice with local municipalities. Together educators and community leaders created a richly supported environment for early childhood learning. Over time, it has spread throughout the world. If you’d like to learn more about the Reggio Emilia approach at Little Chickens, you can watch this video.
Click here to see just a few of the ways I interpret Reggio Emilia for the children I work with in the 24-30 month range.
“To children, no theory is as important as the theory of love. From the time they are very small, babies are figuring out these theories of love, based on what they see the caregivers around them do and say.” ~Alison Gopnik in The Philosophical Baby
Parent Testimonial ~ Our daughter has attended Little Chickens since its inception. The thought and care that Christine puts into crafting a safe and stimulating environment is bar none. I wasn’t familiar with Reggio Emilio at first but seeing our daughter learn in this manner has been wonderful and she’s blossomed. Christine takes the time to give quarterly reports and assessments so the parents can follow along with the children’s progression through major projects. We cannot thank Little Chickens enough for a fantastic first child care experience. We hope to find a program in FL as excellent! ~ Parent Kirra Mesches