A difficult year – but also a year that has given us a lot
"Our schools are open as usual and have been since September," says Cristian Fabbi, chairman of Reggio Emilia's municipal preschools. When Modern Barndom spoke to him last spring, the situation was different. The preschools had been closed for several weeks, and Cristian was very concerned: "We don't know when we'll be able to reopen. Maybe not at all this year, that is, this school year that ends in July, but not until the fall." That's exactly how it turned out. But Cristian still doesn't think they've lost a year, even though it's been very difficult, because they've also grown stronger in several areas.
– Before the opening in September, we were very concerned that there would be many restrictions for our schools, but that has not been the case. We have been able to remain open as usual, only closing a department for a week if a parent or staff member has fallen ill with COVID-19. We have also – most importantly – been able to continue our work in the preschools and in our school as usual, only having to follow minor recommendations such as being outside as much as possible, not allowing parents to come in, requiring staff to wear face masks, and keeping the desks slightly apart in our school. Those who have had the hardest time with us are probably the administration.
Since last fall, parents have also been able to choose to have their children attend preschool for shorter days at a reduced fee, which 15 percent have taken advantage of, resulting in slightly fewer children in the afternoons. Above all, however, they have had substitutes who have been able to step in when staff with symptoms of illness have had to stay home, and they will soon be interviewing 70 new teachers to hire even more, says Cristian. But it is not only the staff who have worked hard to find new ways of working, first digitally when the preschools were closed in the spring and now much more outdoors. Cristian Fabbi also highlights the parents:
They have been very supportive. Last spring, many people were very angry that the preschools were closed. Many parents have since written to politicians and authorities, emphasizing how important it is that the preschools remain open and that we are able to continue teaching in the way we do here. When we had elections for our childhood and city councils (which are elected every three years and exist in every preschool, with staff, parents, and other citizens participating, editor's note), 800 parents registered, more than ever before, and more than ever before also voted. Parents have really been involved and have played a big part in enabling us to continue without severe restrictions. This has also been the mayor's message to the city. The health authorities have also been very cooperative and helpful in enabling us to continue as usual.
In other words, project-based, multilingual, and exploratory.
– Actually, they are just continuing with the focus on sustainability issues that preschools here have had for several years. Now they are just doing it even more outdoors, in nature, like Allende (a preschool with an exceptionally rich park, editor's note) has always done.
Another area that they have been working on for a long time in Reggio Emilia, but which they have now developed further, is their digital work.
And the children! Throughout the pandemic, they have been very aware, understanding, and eager to discuss things with the teachers and contribute in various ways, so it doesn't feel like we've lost a year, but rather that we've gained a lot, such as greater participation and engagement, a new beginning, new ideas, more and stronger relationships, and more cooperation.
At the same time, Cristian Fabbi believes that it will take time, probably the whole of this year, before they can return to everything they miss, such as not having to wear face masks, welcoming parents into the preschools, meeting more physically, and being able to receive visitors, not least international ones.
Text by Maria Herngren