Background

The history of NAREA is rooted in the work and ideals of many dedicated individuals in the US, Canada, and Mexico. These individuals visited the community and schools of Reggio Emilia and carried back images and narratives about this powerful community of education based on a philosophy that values the potential of all children to think, learn, and construct knowledge. These first visitors returned to Reggio over and over again, leading delegations of colleagues.

Supported by colleagues in Reggio Emilia and North America, they hosted the traveling exhibit from Reggio, The Hundred Languages of Children, organized conferences and courses, opened their schools for study and dialogue, and published articles and books, thereby creating a vast network of learning inspired by the Reggio approach.

In November 2002, during the annual conference of the National Association for the Education of Young Children in Chicago, NAREA was formally launched as an organization. Today, NAREA continues to grow in membership, as well as in its capacity to create initiatives and develop resources for the continued learning and networking of its members. NAREA is a member of and active participant in the Reggio Children International Network.

Mission Statement

The North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) is a network of educators, parents, and advocates seeking to elevate both the quality of life and the quality of schools and centers for young children.

We envision a world where all children are honored and respected for their potential, their capabilities, and their humanity.

Our mission is to build a diverse community of advocates and educators to promote and defend the rights of children, families, and educators of all cultures through a collaboration of colleagues inspired by the philosophies and experiences of the 0-6 education project of Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Goals

To serve as a conduit for dialogue and exchange with Reggio Children and other international organizations that promote the rights of young children

To strengthen professional relationships among members by facilitating collaboration and exchange

To strengthen access to professional development initiatives and resources through communication tools, including Innovations in Early Education: The International Reggio Exchange, the NAREA website, and other related resources

To create professional development initiatives that are responsive to the needs and requests of our members

To encourage the diversity of membership within our organization to include individuals from a full range of social, economic and cultural communities