If you’re researching childcare and preschool options for your little one, you’ve probably come across the names Reggio Emilia and Montessori. Both are respected, well established approaches to early childhood education, and both are widely offered across Australia. By exploring these philosophies, you’re already taking a thoughtful step towards giving your child a strong start.
This guide breaks down what each approach looks like in practice, where they overlap, where they differ, and how both connect to Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the national curriculum framework that underpins every approved early childhood service in the country. Whether you’re drawn to one philosophy or simply want to understand what quality early learning looks like, this post will help you feel confident about the choices available to your family.
What Is the Reggio Emilia Approach?
The Reggio Emilia approach originated in the towns surrounding Reggio Emilia in northern Italy after the Second World War. Parents and educators, led by teacher and psychologist Loris Malaguzzi, came together to build a new kind of early education. One that saw children as capable, creative and full of potential from the very beginning.
Rather than following a fixed curriculum, Reggio Emilia is a philosophy that shapes how educators, children and families work together. It is built around the belief that children have many ways of expressing themselves and making sense of the world – what Malaguzzi described as “the hundred languages of children.” These languages include drawing, painting, sculpting, movement, music, dramatic play, storytelling and much more.
Core Principles of Reggio Emilia
- The child as a capable learner. Every child is viewed as strong, resourceful and naturally curious. Children are not empty vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge; they are active protagonists in their own learning.
- The environment as the third teacher. Classroom spaces are carefully designed with natural light, open plan layouts, authentic materials and displays of children’s work. The environment itself invites exploration and discovery.
- Emergent curriculum. There is no predetermined syllabus. Instead, the curriculum emerges from children’s interests, questions and conversations. Educators observe, listen and co-construct learning experiences alongside the children.
- Documentation of learning. Educators record observations, photographs and children’s work to make learning visible. This documentation is shared with families and used to guide future planning.
- Collaboration and community. Parents are valued as a child’s first teachers and are actively involved in the learning process. The wider community is seen as an essential part of a child’s development and sense of belonging.
- The educator as co-learner. Educators are not instructors delivering lessons from the front of the room. They are researchers and collaborators who learn alongside the children, asking open ended questions and following each child’s lead.
What Does Reggio Emilia Look Like in Practice?
In a Reggio Emilia inspired setting, you might see a small group of children deeply engaged in a long term project about insects after a child found a caterpillar in the garden. The educator would support the children to explore their curiosity through drawing, clay modelling, nature walks, storytelling, and collaborative group discussions. The classroom walls would be filled with documentation of the project, such as photos, conversations and examples of children’s artwork creating a living record of their learning journey.
What Is the Montessori Method?
The Montessori method was developed by Dr Maria Montessori, one of Italy’s first female physicians, in the early 1900s. Through careful observation of children in her Casa dei Bambini (Children’s House) in Rome, Montessori discovered that children thrive when given freedom within a thoughtfully structured environment. Her method has since spread across the globe and is practised in hundreds of early learning centres throughout Australia.
Montessori is a structured educational approach with a defined curriculum, purpose built materials and a clear progression of learning. It honours each child’s individual pace and encourages deep concentration, independence and self directed activity.
Core Principles of Montessori
- Respect for the child. Every child is treated as a capable individual with their own developmental timeline. Children are trusted to make meaningful choices about their learning.
- The prepared environment. Montessori classrooms are carefully organised with child sized furniture, accessible shelving and beautiful, purpose designed materials. Everything has a place, and the environment is designed to promote focus, order and independence.
- Hands on, sensory rich materials. Montessori uses a sequenced set of educational materials that move from concrete to abstract. Sandpaper letters help children feel the shape of each letter before writing it. Bead chains and number rods make mathematical concepts tangible and visible.
- Five areas of the curriculum. Montessori learning is organised into Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural Studies. Together, these areas build a well rounded foundation for academic and social growth.
- Uninterrupted work periods. Children are given extended blocks of time (often up to three hours) to choose and concentrate on activities. This sustained engagement builds deep focus and intrinsic motivation.
- Mixed age groupings. Children of different ages learn together, typically in three year groupings. Younger children learn from older peers, while older children strengthen their understanding by helping others — fostering empathy, leadership and a genuine sense of community.
What Does Montessori Look Like in Practice?
In a Montessori classroom, you might see a three year old carefully pouring water from a small jug into a glass (a practical life exercise that builds fine motor skills and concentration), while a four year old works independently with the pink tower (a sensorial material that teaches size discrimination and sequencing). Across the room, a five year old might be tracing sandpaper letters and beginning to compose words. The educator moves quietly through the space, observing closely and offering guidance only when a child needs support or is ready for the next challenge.
Key Differences Between Reggio Emilia and Montessori
While both approaches share a deep respect for children and a commitment to child centred learning, there are differences in how each philosophy is structured and delivered. Understanding these distinctions can help you recognise what might feel like the best fit for your child and your family.
| Element | Reggio Emilia | Montessori |
|---|---|---|
Curriculum | Emergent. Arises from children’s interests and questions | Structured. A sequenced curriculum with defined materials and progression |
Educator’s Role | Co-learner and collaborator who researches alongside children | Guide and observer who introduces materials and steps back to let children work independently |
Learning Materials | Open ended, natural and art based – clay, paint, wire, recycled materials, loose parts | Purpose designed, self correcting educational materials with a clear sequence |
Environment | The “third teacher” – nature inspired, aesthetically rich, constantly evolving | The “prepared environment” – ordered, calm, child sized, with everything in its place |
Creative Expression | Central – art, music, drama and movement are core “languages” of learning | Valued – creative activities are included but are one part of a broader curriculum |
Documentation | Extensive – photos, transcriptions and displays make learning visible to children and families | Observation focused – educators track individual progress through detailed observation records |
Group Learning | Strong emphasis on collaborative projects and group exploration | Primarily individual work, with some small group and whole group activities |
Family Involvement | Families are active co-constructors of the curriculum | Families are partners who are encouraged to extend Montessori principles at home |
Want to learn more? We compare six preschool curriculums so you can get a better understanding of each.
The Early Years Learning Framework in Australia
Every approved early childhood service in Australia (regardless of its educational philosophy) operates under the National Quality Framework (NQF). A central part of this framework is Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF), which was endorsed by Australian Education Ministers in January 2023 and became the sole approved version from February 2024.
The EYLF provides a shared language and set of expectations for how educators support children’s learning, development and wellbeing from birth to five years. It is not a rigid syllabus. Instead, it gives educators the flexibility to draw on a range of educational philosophies (including Reggio Emilia and Montessori) while working towards shared goals for every child. This is the approach we take at Kiddie Garden. Learn more about the EYLF here.
How Reggio Emilia Aligns with the EYLF
The Reggio Emilia philosophy shares strong natural connections with the EYLF. Both place the child at the centre of the learning experience and recognise children as capable, competent learners with their own agency and voice.
Outcome 1: Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity
Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on the child as a protagonist supports a strong sense of self. When children’s ideas are valued, documented and celebrated, they develop confidence in who they are and what they can contribute. The approach also deepens identity through connection to community and culture.
Outcome 2: Children Are Connected with and Contribute to Their World
Collaboration is woven into every part of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Children work together on long term projects, engage with their local community, and develop an understanding of their place in the wider world. This aligns closely with the EYLF’s focus on active citizenship and connection.
Outcome 3: Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing
The nurturing, relationship based nature of Reggio Emilia environments supports children’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Secure relationships with educators and families, combined with beautiful, calming learning spaces, create a sense of safety and belonging that helps children flourish.
Outcome 4: Children Are Confident and Involved Learners
Because the curriculum emerges from children’s own curiosity, children are deeply invested in their learning. They develop dispositions such as persistence, creativity, imagination and problem solving, all of which are central to Outcome 4. The EYLF emphasis on play based learning and child led exploration resonates naturally with the Reggio Emilia approach.
Outcome 5: Children Are Effective Communicators
This is where Reggio Emilia’s concept of the hundred languages shines. Children communicate through art, dance, drama, storytelling, construction and conversation, and educators document and extend these expressions. The EYLF’s recognition that communication encompasses far more than spoken and written language aligns beautifully with this principle.
EYLF Principles and Reggio Emilia
Several EYLF principles mirror Reggio Emilia values. The principle of partnerships reflects Reggio Emilia’s deep commitment to family and community involvement. Respect for diversity connects with the philosophy’s inclusive celebration of every child’s unique expression. The new principle of collaborative leadership and teamwork echoes the Reggio Emilia tradition of educators working as a research team to reflect on and improve their practice.
Which Approach Is Right for Your Child?
There is no single “best” approach to early childhood education. Both Reggio Emilia and Montessori are grounded in deep respect for children and have decades of evidence supporting their effectiveness. The right choice depends on your child’s temperament, your family’s values and what feels like the best fit.
Your child may thrive in a Reggio Emilia inspired setting if they:
Love open ended creative play, like painting, building, sculpting and storytelling. Are naturally social and enjoy working with others on shared projects. Are curious questioners who like to follow an idea wherever it takes them. Respond well to flexible, relationship rich environments where their voice is heard and valued.
Your child may thrive in a Montessori setting if they:
Enjoy choosing their own activities and working independently. Like hands on, sensory rich materials and clear step by step processes. Show a strong drive for independence and wanting to do things for themselves.
Many children will do well in either environment, and many Australian childcare services blend elements of both philosophies within their programs. This is what we do at Kiddie Garden. What matters most is that the educators are warm, responsive and genuinely attentive to your child’s interests and developmental needs, whilst operating within Australia’s National Quality Framework.
How Kiddie Garden Brings It All Together
At Kiddie Garden Childcare in Parramatta, we believe that every child deserves an early learning experience that honours who they are right now and supports who they are becoming. Our educators draw on the best of contemporary early childhood research and philosophy, including principles from both Reggio Emilia and Montessori, to create a warm, engaging and responsive program for every child in our care.
Our approach is guided by the EYLF and shaped by what we know about each child through close observation, genuine relationships with families, and a commitment to reflective practice. We create rich learning environments that invite curiosity, celebrate creativity and build independence. Whether your child is painting at the easel, moulding with playdough, or carefully pouring water into a cup, they are building the foundations for a lifetime of confident, joyful learning.
We also recognise that you know your child best. Our educators are always happy to talk with you about how your child is growing, what excites them, and how we can work together to support their journey. That partnership between home and our centre is one of the most powerful things we can offer your family.
Final Thought for Families
The fact that you’re reading this post and thinking carefully about your child’s early education says a great deal about how much you care. Whether your family is drawn to the creative, project based spirit of Reggio Emilia, the independence of Montessori, or a thoughtful blend of both, you can feel confident that Australian early childhood services are held to high standards through the EYLF and the National Quality Framework.
If you’d like to learn more about how we support children’s learning at Kiddie Garden, we’d love to welcome you for a visit. Come and see our learning spaces, meet our educators, and discover what makes our little community so special.