Ione Bartoli Helped Design Reggio Children’s Education in the 1960s

Why this is here: Children in Reggio Emilia centers participated in daily morning meetings where teachers asked each child about their interests to shape the day’s activities.

Ione Bartoli, 95, contributed to the creation of the Reggio Children educational philosophy in Italy during the 1960s. She later became the first assessor for Social Services in the Emilia-Romagna region in 1970.

Bartoli envisioned early childhood centers that prioritized active learning over simple childcare. She recalls a time when Italian nurseries often kept children in bed until late morning, a practice she found unacceptable.

The Reggio Emilia Approach, which she helped develop, includes children setting the table as a way to teach responsibility and cooperation. Bartoli describes daily morning meetings where teachers asked children about their interests and ideas to collaboratively plan the day.

Bartoli will meet Princess Kate to discuss the globally recognized Reggio system. She feels a sense of responsibility to represent her city during the meeting and acknowledges the importance of thoughtful communication. The article does not detail how Bartoli’s work will evolve, but her influence on early childhood education continues.