Tralee Lady represents County Kerry in Italy, at the Reggio Emilia International Event

Susan Quirke-Crowley, Mounthawk, was one of only 24 Delegates chosen to  represent Ireland at Reggio Children,  Reggio Emilia , Italy . The Irish Delegation was  included amongst 406 International delegates from 27 countries across the 5 continents . Organised by Early Childhood Ireland , Susan was the only Kerry representative within the global  gathering from April 17th to 21st,the first such event at Reggio Emilia since Covid 19 struck. Malaguzzi says  #NothingWithoutJoy As Director and Founder of the Mounthawk Montessori School Group , Susan said that as Irish Early Years Professionals and interested sectoral stakeholders and policy makers; our experiences in Italy have brought nothing but inspiration to us .We now look to the future and at how we can merge the best of Reggio Emilia with the best of Aistear, The Early Years Curriculum Framework and Síolta , Quality Framework, in our Montessori School,   at home in Ireland.  On my visits to the Reggio Emilia Early Years environments,  attending workshops, conferences, and Ateliers ,I found that there was a palpable sense and aura of calm at Reggio Emilia. Within the educational contexts and settings, Children and adults were allowed time space and opportunity to engage in their experiences and projects. There was a feeling of collegiality from the arrival at the settings, until one departed. As in Ireland, there was evidence everywhere ,of collaborative relationships with parents and children, as partners, in the children’s learning.  This allowed for the generating of content and ideas that support children ,educators and families to enjoy and immerse themselves in their day-to-day living as Co constructors .The provocations and contexts are carefully planned for the children, unlocking a world, and awakening a curiosity that we can hope to bring home to Ireland . The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy based on the image of a child with strong potentialities for development and a subject with rights which dovetails with our image of the child in Ireland. ‘I was proud to represent Kerry’ said Susan , ‘and I look forward to cascading the learning through provision of free Continuous Professional Development opportunities  and workshops’ for Early Years Educators and students . As local Early Years Providers ,our Reggio Emilia inspired practice will continue  to enhance the high quality experiences for all children attending our centres in Oak Park Montessori , Mounthawk Montessori & Busy Bees Nursery & Afterschool and Maureen’s Childcare Centre. “Quirke’s for Quality’ ! For information on free workshops and training opportunities or for any other information , please contact Susan on 086-8153757. Thank you.