NAREA Position Statement on Democracy and Early Education
The North American Reggio Emilia Alliance advances a strong pedagogical purpose rooted in democratic ideals, chief of which are the notions of equality among all, freedom of expression, and liberty. Although these aspirational ideals, enshrined in the national documents of both the United States and Canada, sometimes fall short of realization in our countries, they resolutely orient our practice of citizenship, and thus, our practice of education.
NAREA relates with the city of Reggio Emilia where, since the end of WWII, the municipality has created a democratic laboratory through a public system of early childhood services. More than 30 years ago, their example was featured as “the most avant-garde” in the world by Newsweek Magazine. In the years since, their reputation and global interest in their educational, social, cultural, and political approach continues to grow.
Key to this innovative system and its continuing appeal is the value of democratic participation in the life of the city and in all levels of education. Malaguzzi said, “participation grows and safeguards democracy and liberty, liberty and democracy grow and safeguard participation. A need for change and faith in the possibility of change as the promotion of a higher and more just degree of individual and collective wellbeing are the elements that justify participation and make it move forward (n.d., in Cagliari et al., 2016, p. 355).”
Relationships serve as the connective tissue of democracy, and scholarly research in human learning in the early years places relationships as an essential core of all aspects of human growth and development, including not only critical thinking but the ability to empathize and understand the perspectives of others. NAREA’s focus is primarily on the early years, a unique, unrepeatable period of growth and development that hinges on young children’s enormous competence for making meaning of their world and for constructing meaningful learning with others.
In its mission, NAREA collaborates with formal and informal networks at the local, national, and international level to strengthen systems, services, and schools for young children in the United States and Canada. Our activities aim to continually develop innovative practices in early education through the provision of resources and initiatives open to all.
NAREA is a network of relationships among educators, parents, and advocates seeking to elevate both the quality of life and quality of schools and centers for young children. We envision a world where all children are honored and respected for their potential, capabilities, and humanity.
Malaguzzi, L. (n.d.). Opening to the world: 1980–89. In P. Cagliari, M. Castagnetti, C. Giudici, C. Rinaldi, V. Vecchi, & P. Moss (Eds.) (2016), Loris Malaguzzi and the schools of Reggio Emilia: A selection of his writings and speeches, 1945–1993 (pp. 273–360). Routledge.
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