Program Schedule

June 27 - July 5, 2009

  • Introductory seminars: Online learning involves reading prior to on-site meeting and online discussions on critical areas related to the course
  • Exposure to different curricular approaches
  • Political context of Italian preschool education, state funded schools, free and independent schools
  • Historical context of Italian approaches to preschool education
  • School and family partnerships in Italian preschool education
  • Role of the arts in Italian preschools

Curriculum Activities

  • Seminars on early childhood education in Italy
  • Field visits to early childhood sites in Brescia
  • Visit to Reggio International Center
  • Visit to art museums
  • Workshops on various topics with early childhood experts
  • Networking with Italian early childhood practitioners

Program Tour
The program tour is designed to expose participants to the cultural atmosphere surrounding early childhood education in Italy.

Program Schedule

DayMorningAfternoon and Evening
Saturday, June 27, 200912-3 p.m. Orientation and luncheon at St. John's University3 p.m. (apporximately) shuttle from St. John's to JFK airport
7 p.m. (approximately) JFK flight
Sunday, June 28, 2009

10 a.m.

  • Arrival in Italy at Malpensa
  • Snack at Brescia at 2 p.m.
3:30 p.m. Touring in Brescia (S. Giulia Museum)
7:30 p.m. Leaving for Erbusco Buffet welcome dinner
9 p.m. Open Air Children's theatre
Monday, June 29, 2009

8:30 a.m. Leaving for school and lunch with the children

  • Meeting with teachers and administrators
2:30 p.m. Discussion on Italian early childhood education
(Dr. Scurati to make presentation)
6-7 p.m. Meeting at Centro Paolo VI with St. John's University professor
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

8:30 a.m. Istituto Pasquale Agazzi; and school visit
(Discussion and video presentation)

  • Meeting with teachers and administrators
  • Powerpoint presentation

Lunch at a pizzeria

2:30 p.m. Rezzato: International Children's Center for the Arts
Free night
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

9:30 a.m. Edtrice La Scuola

GReeting by the president of La Scuola

Bookstore run and tour

Lunch at the canteen and return to Centro Paolo VI

2 p.m. Centro Paolo VI
Workshop with EC experts: handicraft

4 p.m. Workshop with EC experts: Story telling

Thursday, July 2, 20097 a.m.-10 p.m. Touring in Venice - Trip by train and guided visit and water transportation
Friday, July 3, 2009

7 a.m. Leaving for Reggio Children Musuem

Visit center with informed presenter

Lunch at restaurant
Bus tour for the city of Reggio

6 p.m. Formal debriefing

9 p.m. Farewell dinner

Saturday, July 4, 2009

9:30 a.m. Museo Arte e Spiritualia
Introducing the teaching activity carried out at the Museum and workshops
Lunch

2 p.m. Meeting at Centro Paolo VI with St. John's University professor

Time for shopping in Brescia

Sunday, July 5, 20097 a.m. Departure