Describes two child care administrators' visit to the model preschools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Discusses the Reggio view of childhood and the structure and environment in a typical Reggio classroom. Notes how the larger cultural elements of Italy--community, history, and pride--are deeply rooted in the Reggio concept. (HTH)

Fifty teachers from the St. Louis, Missouri area have been involved in a project to bring the development strategies used by the Reggio Emilia preschools in Italy to the United States. Their experiences suggest that teachers need to adopt professional development plans that identify goals, select methods of support to achieve these goals, plan for…