The idea originated in the town (and surrounding communities) of Reggio Emilia, Italy shortly after World War II
The first community preschool opened in 1963 and was later transferred to the city government for operation and financing
In the 1970's, Malaguzzi's educational methods were well known and appreciated by educators all over Europe and The National Group for Work and Study on Infant Toddler Centers was formed in Italy
On May 24, 1994, Friends of Reggio Children International Association was founded as a non-profit organization to promote the work of Loris Malaguzzi
In November 2002, the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance was formally launched
In February 2006, the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre opened as a meeting place in Reggio Emilia, Italy, for professional development and research
On September 29, 2011, the non-profit Reggio Children-Loris Malaguzzi Centre Foundation was officially established with the aim of "Education and research to improve the lives of people and communities, in Reggio Emilia and in the world."
Loris Malaguzzi (1920-1994)
Malaguzzi was born in the Italian town of Reggio Emilia in 1920
He returned in 1945 to help the parents of the town build their own schools for children
He became heavily involved in the project and helped others recognize the need for better early childhood education
He suggested that a strong relationship between educators and parents is essential
He also believed that there should be two teachers in each classroom and that children should be grouped by age for part of the day
Malaguzzi continued to be very influential with new ideas and concepts for many years