The 22nd NAREA Summer Conference

In Celebration of the Voices of Democracy: Documenting as an Act of Meaning-Making, Community-Building, and Joy

The board and staff of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) warmly welcomes you to Winooski and to our 22^nd NAREA Summer Conference, In Celebration of the Voices of Democracy: Documenting as an Act of Meaning-Making, Community-Building, and Joy. In collaboration with Reggio Children and the Vermont host community, we have organized three days of professional learning that brings together educators from across North America. United by a shared commitment, we continue to promote and defend the rights of children, families, and educators in all cultural contexts.

We are honored to welcome Consuelo Damasi, atelierista, and Paola Strozzi, pedagogista, along with interpreter Jane McCall from Reggio Emilia, Italy. Through their insights and dialogue, we deepen our understanding of the values, philosophies, and lived experiences of the municipal infant-toddler centers and preschools of Reggio Emilia.

Like many communities across North America, Vermont is strengthened by the dedication and volunteer spirit of those working toward a richer future for children and adults. This spirit is reflected in the support of the State of Vermont’s Child Development Division, which, in collaboration with RIVET 2.0 (Reggio Inspired Vermont Early Education Team), has invested in expanding professional learning access for Vermont educators. Through this support, educators will engage with the remarkable work of the municipal infant-toddler centers and preschools of Reggio Emilia—both through this conference and the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material exhibition + atelier.

We are deeply appreciative of Mary Johnson Children’s Center, Burlington Forest Preschool, Janet S. Munt Family Room, and Stepping Stones Children’s Center for opening their doors and welcoming us into their schools. This development style has been introduced to us by the only “Reggio schools” of Reggio Emilia, Italy. To be continually encouraged to find our own unique identities as schools in different communities, worthy of our own identity, is to see how much the attitudes of research and innovation, rather than prescriptive dogma, form the message of Reggio Emilia.

As we come together, may we listen closely, reflect deeply, and engage fully with one another. In doing so, we honor the spirit of this gathering—In Celebration of the Voices of Democracy.

June 25–27, 2026 | Winooski, Vermont