A group of highly educated and influential infant toddler program directors and college faculty had the opportunity to visit Reggio Emilia infant programs in Italy. In the atelier, a specialized art...

A group of highly educated and influential infant toddler program directors and college faculty had the opportunity to visit Reggio Emilia infant programs in Italy. In the atelier, a specialized art room shared by all the children, were beautiful displays of recycled objects. These included well-worn sea stones, nuts and bolts, thumbtacks, corks, sharp scissors—all displayed in glass containers within the children’s reach. Some teachers were outraged at the lack of safety: “This would never be allowed in the United States. These things are far too dangerous for 1-year-olds.” The Italian teachers responded, “We believe in children’s strengths. We have never had children swallow something dangerous or otherwise harm themselves. They learn how to use all kinds of materials.” On the bus afterward, the U.S. teachers had a lively discussion about what they would want to do if licensing were not an issue.