The JUNIOR EXPLORER CLUB EARLY EXPLORERS program includes Toddlers, Preschool and PreK. Located conveniently off the 315/Henderson Road exit, our Clubhouse is designed to accommodate families from all over central Ohio. Open enrollment is available all year with full-time and part-time options.
Our unique blend of teaching combines the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education by providing a learning environment that mirrors what we have been doing at the JUNIOR EXPLORER CLUB by using nature and beyond. Our programs are strategically designed Our EARLY EXPLORERS program and philosophy is strategically designed and planned to build upon the other which ultimately prepares our EARLY EXPLORERS for starting Kindergarten.
What is Reggio Emilia?
Reggio Emilia is an early childhood teaching method that views young children as individuals who are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them. It combines free thinking to stimulate learning in appropriate ways while utilizing the creative environment from nature to traditional classroom elements.
What does this mean?
Student-centered – develops independence by putting the responsibility of the learning path in the hands of the student; enables lifelong learning and problem-solving skills
Constructivism – students actively create (or “construct”) knowledge out or their own experiences
Experiential learning – learning through experience; hands-on learning with a self-reflection component
The Reggio Emilia principles in a nutshell
- Kids have input regarding the direction of their learning
- Kids learn through experiences, including touching, moving, listening and watching
- Kids explore the world and relationships with other children
- Kids have infinite ways and opportunities to express themselves
The approach focuses on the natural development of children. Kids have rights and should be given chances to develop their potential, and are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas. “Influenced by this belief, the child is beheld as beautiful, powerful, competent, creative, curious and full of potential and ambitious desires.” (Valarie Hewitt, “Examining the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education,” Early Childhood Education Journal. ) 
The Reggio Emilia approach doesn’t work with a predetermined curriculum and the classroom environment is seen as the third teacher, after the preschool teacher and parents. That is where children hone their relationships and sense of belonging in the world.
We will focus on discovery, experiences and problem solving. Learning through projects, art and communicating with each other.
What does this approach look like?
- Inviting spaces for children to explore materials with authentic art materials like watercolors, clay and chalk with along with different tools to use like Q-tips, sticks or pinecones.
- Lots of musical instruments for experimentation, sharing and playing, like bongos, tambourines and bells.
- Costumes and props for dramatic play, inspiring imaginations and honing communication skills. Cardboard and paints for creating sets.
The great outdoors will also be indoors. In the classroom, you might see rocks, dirt, leaves, feathers – leading to questions, discussions, possible crafts and, ultimately, learning about the world.
At the JUNIOR EXPLORER CLUB, we have a customized learning center both inside the classroom and outside in our large private playground. Currently, we are running our programs with smaller class sizes designed to keep the same children with the same teacher each day. Our clubhouse is 7900 square feet of indoor play with classrooms specifically designed for the EARLY EXPLORER Program giving Toddlers, PreK and Preschool their own rooms.
We offer open enrollment all year with full-time and part-time options. To learn more about individual programs and pricing details, contact us for your personal tour of the Clubhouse. All tours must be scheduled and are designed to accommodate and abide by the highest Covid19 safety standards. Contact us today at 614-516-3325 or email the Regional Center Director, Kelly Dyas at kelly@jrexplorerclub.com