The Reggio Children International Center has extended an invitation to Lesley University to participate in the 2009 International Study Tour.The Lesley University Delegation will join participants from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and other countries as part of the April International Study Group to Reggio Emilia, Italy. The Lesley University Delegation will be a group of 30 individuals from organizations and institutions representing teachers, students, professors, administrators, and policy makers who have an understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach. The delegation is being organized by Joanne M. Szamreta and Lisa Fiore of Lesley University, in collaboration with Reggio Children and Angela Ferrario, U.S. Liaison for Study Groups to Reggio Emilia.

Participants in this delegation are expected to:

have attended Institutes, lectures or workshops focused on the Reggio approach through Lesley University or elsewhere
have at least a beginning level of understanding and knowledge of the Reggio experience
be committed to continuing connections and collaboration upon return from Reggio Emilia
agree to submit a professional profile of experience and interests as a means of introduction

Program:

history of the Reggio Emilia educational project and projections toward the future
visits to preschools and infant-toddler centers of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia Istituzione
presentations/seminars by pedagogistas (education specialists), teachers and atelieristas (artists) on the values and principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy
presentations of research projects carried out in the Reggio Emilia infant-toddler centers and preschools
topics including the image of the competent child; teachers as researchers; observation; interpretation; documentation; children with special rights; the role of the environment; the pedagogy of listening; materials and the 100 languages of children; parents' involvement in the life of the school; and Remida center for recycled materials
time and space to interact with international participants and Reggio educators
cultural encounters within the city of Reggio Emilia
special opportunities for the Lesley Delegation to be determined

SPACE IS LIMITED-REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 7th.

DETAILS:

LOCATION
The International Center Loris Malaguzzi, Reggio Emilia, Italy

NEW REDUCED COST!
The trip will cost $2,870. This does not include air fare.
North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) members receive a $100 discount. For information about membership please visit: www.reggioalliance.org.

Fees includes:

hotel accommodations for 7 nights based on double occupancy; single room supplement is $455
buffet breakfast daily
welcome reception and introductory meeting
credit card services, foreign currency transfer fees, administrative services and taxes
coordination of the study group experience with the intention of supporting the professional development, collaboration, dialogue and collegiality of the participants
Reggio Children fee which includes: the organization of the program; presentations by and meetings with pedagogistas, teachers, atelieristas, administrators and parents; visits to infant-toddler centers and preschools; a folder for each participant with information and materials concerning the city of Reggio Emilia, its municipal infant toddler-center and preschool experience and Reggio Children; private bus transportation from and to the centers in Reggio Emilia when required by the program; insurance as specified below; coffee breaks; farewell reception; and Italian/English interpreters when required by the program

ACCOMMODATIONS

Astoria Hotel (www.mercurehotelastoria.com)
Near the center of Reggio Emilia group rates for 7 nights.
Ghiara Youth Hostel -- offers a more economical option, available upon request.

REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY

RESPONSIBILITY
Angela Ferrario dab International Study Tours: Professional Development Abroad acts only as the agent for the several hotels and other suppliers providing accommodations and services to participants. International Study Tours shall not be liable for any cancellation, injury, loss, damage, expense, delay or inconvenience which may be caused or sustained by any participant. Reggio Children I.e. is released from any charges and obligations related to possible cancellations or date changes when due to circumstances beyond Reggio Children’s control or for any other reason not directly imputable to the failure of Reggio Children I.e. In such an instance, Reggio Children I.e. undertakes to agree with Lesley University new dates, or if an agreement is not reached, to release Lesley University and thereby participants from all payment obligations. Participants are responsible for issuing an individual insurance policy for accidents of any type which may occur during the Study Group when not inside a municipal institution. Reggio Children I.e. will provide insurance for participants for damages caused to people or things inside the municipal institutions. Travel Insurance is not included and should be secured by the individual participant.
Please Note: Prices are converted at current exchange rates. In the event of unforeseen extreme currency fluctuations, additional costs may need to be assessed to each participant prior to departure.

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT (PDF)

Course Credit

The Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education: Collaboration, Inspiration, and Interpretation
Graduate Course: EEDUC 5301 (3 credits)
Faculty: Dr. Lisa Fiore (lfiore@lesley.edu) & Dr. Joanne Szamreta (szamreta@lesley.edu)
Meeting Dates and Times: April 17-25, 2009 in Reggio Emilia, Italy; May 30, 2009 11 am – 3 pm. Some content will be delivered online.
Location: University Hall, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge (Room TBD)
This experiential course provides a unique opportunity to learn about the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood Education, create research questions, and develop personal and professional relationships. Students meet at Lesley before traveling to Reggio Emilia--highlighting the approach and connections to American contexts. Visits to Reggio schools, presentations at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, cultural experiences, and networking will promote collaborative work.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Heather Olson
holson2@lesley.edu
617.349.8924

updated 02/20/09 | 11:24 AM