It all started when...

Hello and thank you for your interest in Lessons From The Heart Preschool.  My name is Carleen Johnson and I have worked with young children in a variety of settings for over 17 years.  My formal education began when I was a Teacher’s Aide at the GKB Head Start program in Auburn and received the TEACH scholarship to earn my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.  I then worked toward my AAS degree in Early Childhood Education graduating from Ivy Tech Ft Wayne in 2006.  In 2010 I graduated from Trine University with a BS major in Psychology.  Since then I have taken Many workshops and trainings as often as I can to continue learning.  I am a member of NAEYC/INaeyc (National Association for the Education of Young Children and Indiana’s chapter).  I am also a member of NAREA (North America Reggio Emilia Alliance) and attended my first conference with them this past summer.  

My interest in the Reggio Emilia approach began when I was working in a daycare setting that used many of the concepts related to Reggio.  I attended an INAEYC sponsored Reggio Emilia conference in October of 2016 and learned much about the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.  I knew this is the type of school I wanted to start and teach in.   While the environment is an important aspect of Reggio Emilia, I am especially drawn to the view of the child that this approach emphasizes.  Children are seen as co-creators of their learning as they express themselves through many “languages.”  I have always known children learn through play and nature gives us all opportunities to connect to the environment, to each other, and collaborate in many playful ways.  I would love to meet you and share more aspects of what it means to be Reggio Emilia inspired.