Does anyone know any of the similiarties and differences in Montessori, Head Start and Reggio Emilia ?

Question

Can anyone tell me the differences and similarties in these curriculmn approaches: Montessori, Head Start and Reggio Emilia and thier learning theories?

Answer 1

Montessori uses materials that enhance a child's skills. When the child masters a skill, then they move on to another level. Head Start uses curriculum based on what the Head Start grantee for that area decides to use for curriculum. As posted above, some 'teachers' are just that in name. Other Head Starts have highly qualified skilled teachers and an outstanding program. Reggio is all child-centered learning. Usually based on a project the kids decide as a community to study. Kids work on various aspects of the 'research' based on their interests. Another program used in Head Start is High-Scope. I don't know much about this, but I know that program requires alot of teacher documentation and assessments. Reggio and HighScope have alot of similarities. Both are child-centered learning.  Montessori is more teacher-directed but the kids are given alot more responsibility for their learning. This approach is more focused on mastering a set of skills.

Answer 2

Well, you can research the different types online, but if you are actually going to enroll your child, visit the schools.  I have visited two Montessori style school in my town and they are quite different in spirit, even though they follow general Montessori principles.  I have heard that differences are even greater when comparing different schools in different regions of the country or world.

The same goes for head start.  Some Head Starts are bare bones schools where teachers are parenst who can't get any other job and are very poorly educated.  Some are quite competitive programs led by people who really care about the kids and the community.

If it is your child, you must find a good fit for him or her, independent of what the experts say.  If you were asking this for purely academic reasons, then this answer will be no help at all!