Our Pillars
At Academia Cotopaxi's IMAGINE Early Childhood Learning Center, we believe in the power of IMAGINATION. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia teaching pedagogy, our program is focused upon building a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages all children to explore, investigate, grow and celebrate their uniqueness within our world.
Developed in Northern Italy, the Reggio Emilia method builds upon the belief that children's curiosity and creativity should guide their learning. IMAGINE students learn through extended, collaborative projects that cultivate future connections in language, mathematics, science, and the arts. These projects, in turn, help build an experiential, collaborative learning environment, where every member is welcome and encouraged to grow.
The child is our inspiration, a unique human being who is the protagonist of his/her story. The child is the author and constructor of his/her learning. A citizen of the world with rights and duties.
In IMAGINE the environment is a living and inspiring space. Each space reflects appreciation, dedication, and care. It invites curiosity, discovery, learning, and the holistic growth of the human being.
IMAGINE is a community of appreciation, growth, and learning for everyone who is part of it. We are characterized by a spirit of collaboration, empathy, and a celebration for life.
IMAGINE is a world of possibilities where everyone becomes passionate for learning and teaching. We value differences and are inspired by them; they become an opportunity of growth. Children drive our planning and through play, exploration, creation, and investigation we learn.
At IMAGINE pedagogical documentation is what makes learning visible. It is the evidence of the story of each child and his/her interactions. It represents the ongoing cycle of learning and teaching, and it is a true invitation towards constant reflection.