Weaving Relationships Between Preschools, Families and Communities. The Nurturing Connections to the Reggio Emilia Region of Italy

The historical roots of preschools in Reggio Emilia lie deep in the history of the Reggio Emilia working classes, the history of the women of Reggio Emilia and in the history of the local government, which steadfastly believed in investing in the future. But it is also the 40-year-long history of a group of people, some highly creative in the pedagogical field and others in the political field, all highly motivated, who have skilfully managed a precious heritage of experience over the years. Finally, as far as the history of a single man can count in such a complex collective movement, it is also the history of a man with many interests, a courageous and wilful man and above all, a free thinker: Loris Malaguzzi (1920–1994). This chapter presents the intricate weaving of the cultural, social, historical, economic and human relationships over many decades that have resulted in the development of the successful and effective schools for young children in Northern Italy.