Reggio Emilia. A city whose Municipal Infant Toddler Centers and Preschools, I had read about in textbooks and journals, for Early Childhood Educators. A city I knew nothing else about, until my visit there, last week.

I attended an intense three and a half day conference held by Reggio Children at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center. The focus of the conference was the Ten Year Anniversary of REMIDA, a “creative recycling center”. I, like most of the 400 participants from over 24 different countries, was there, not only to celebrate the longevity of an inspirational program, but also to experience the Municipal Infant Toddler Centers and Preschools, we had read so much about.

The first two days of the conference were filled with speeches from various members of the community. I won’t go into detail on what each member spoke about but I would like to highlight words and phrases that stuck in my mind. Words and phrases I will always associate with the city of Reggio Emilia and continue to reflect upon.

Community. Change. Creative Relationships. Dialogue with Empty Spaces. Cooperation and Collaboration. Visible Children. Mixed Generations. The Value of Organization.