For Educators

Think with us!

We believe authentic relationships are the heart of learning, where children, educators and families make meaning together through curiosity, collaboration and shared experiences. Thoughtfully selected materials invite exploration, provoke dialogue and create opportunities for theory building as children develop, test and refine their ideas about the world. Through careful observation and reflection, educators and families become partners in this ongoing journey of discovery.

Think with us.

Discovery Tours

Spend a morning with us and see how learning comes to life across our campuses. Our Discovery Tours are designed for visiting educators — an up-close look at our environment, our approach, and the everyday moments of growth, creativity, and connection that shape our children's days. Come observe, ask questions, and think alongside our team.

What your visit includes

Atelier studio

The studio is a thread woven throughout our learning environment, connecting classrooms and curriculum through intelligent materials that invite discovery, creativity, and deeper understanding.

Classrooms

Walk through our learning spaces and see how each one is intentionally set up to support children.

Children's Learning in Action

When classes are in session, you'll have the opportunity to observe children's ideas, curiosity, and learning in action (subject to the day's schedule).

Team Q&A

Afterward, sit down with our team for a relaxed conversation to ask questions and explore our approach.

We keep each tour small, so there is plenty of room to look closely, ask questions, and connect. True to our belief that we learn together, we can't wait to show you around.

Choose your campus and date

LS

Lab School

Fri · Oct 23, 20269:00–10:30 am
Fri · May 14, 20279:00–10:30 am
MP

Marine Park

Thu · Sep 10, 20269:00–10:30 am
Thu · Feb 18, 20279:00–10:30 am
OP

Ocean Park

Tue · Oct 27, 20269:30–11:00 am
Tue · May 18, 20279:30–11:00 am
Tour fee$65per educator

Registration opens soon. Choose your campus and date, and reserve your spot online.

Good to know

Tours follow the school day, so observing children's learning depends on the day's schedule. We ask visitors to silence phones and to save photos for shared spaces only. Please let us know in advance about any accessibility needs so we can make your visit comfortable.

Common Questions

Discovery Tour FAQs

Who are Discovery Tours for?
Discovery Tours are designed for visiting educators — teachers, administrators, and early childhood professionals who want an up-close look at our Reggio-inspired environment and approach. If you're a prospective parent, our admissions tours are a better fit; contact us and we'll point you to the right visit.
How long is a tour, and what does the morning look like?+
Each tour runs about 90 minutes (most begin at 9:00 am; Ocean Park begins at 9:30 am). You'll explore the atelier studio and classrooms, observe students when class is in session, and finish with a relaxed Q&A with our team. We keep each group small so there's room to look closely and ask questions.
How much does a Discovery Tour cost, and how do I register?+
The tour fee is $65 per educator. Registration is online — choose your campus and date on our sign-up page and reserve your spot. One registration page covers all three campuses.
Which campuses offer tours, and when?+
All three campuses host tours: Lab School (Fri, Oct 23, 2026 & Fri, May 14, 2027), Marine Park (Thu, Sep 10, 2026 & Thu, Feb 18, 2027), and Ocean Park (Tue, Oct 27, 2026 & Tue, May 18, 2027). Each tour is 9:00–10:30 am, except Ocean Park at 9:30–11:00 am.
Can I take photos or bring a group?+
Out of respect for our students, we ask visitors to silence phones and save photos for shared spaces only. If you'd like to bring a staff group or have any accessibility needs, let us know in advance and we'll do our best to accommodate your visit.
Our Approach

Practicum, Resources & Professional Development

We recognize that each educator's needs and school settings are unique. We believe the Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education offers a powerful framework for children, teachers, and families to grow, learn, and develop together.

We are committed to supporting educators in bringing this approach into their work with children and communities. Inquire about our practicum teaching positions, resources, and professional development opportunities.

Growing Place educators in a reflection meeting
Professional Development

Specialty Workshops

For specialized requests- a curated workshop designed to meet your team's professional learning goals- please reach out to Lissette Rodriguez, Director of Annual Giving & Learning Initiatives, at lissette@growingplace.org or (310) 434-3811.

Coming Soon

Social Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility

  • Time: 8:30–10:30 AM
  • Location: Lab School Campus
  • Instructors: Luis & Christine

Explores how negotiation and conflict resolution develop civic responsibility, examining democratic classroom practices that foster empathy, accountability, and problem-solving skills.

Looking for a curated Workshop?
Coming Soon

Classroom Environments that Promote Creativity

  • Time: 8:30–10:30 AM
  • Location: Lab School Campus
  • Instructors: Elizabeth & Christine

Investigates thoughtfully designed environments using the Reggio philosophy of the environment as "third teacher," focusing on space, materials, organization, and aesthetics.

Looking for a curated Workshop?
Coming Soon

Infants & Toddlers: Lessons in RIE and Curriculum

  • Time: 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
  • Location: Marine Park Campus
  • Cost: $275/person (*scholarships available)
  • Instructors: Cecilia & Amy

Explores RIE principles and Reggio-inspired approaches for our youngest learners, including a campus tour, classroom visits (3 months–5 years), and a curriculum presentation.

Looking for a curated Workshop?

Questions? Contact us at lissette@growingplace.org or call (310) 434-3811.

Visit Us

Educator Tours

$65 per person. Tour the environment, observe in the classrooms, and meet the team to discuss our philosophy.

1

Environment tour with optional photography (photos are welcome when children are not present).

2

Classroom observation and reflection meeting.

3

Meet a variety of Growing Place educators and our Educational Team.

4

Discussion and Q&A.

Private tours are available for staff groups (minimum 10 teachers or students) on separate dates — contact lissette@growingplace.org to arrange.

Registration fee is non-refundable. Space is limited — please reserve as soon as possible.

Growing Place educators touring a classroom
Careers

Bring Your Passion, Grow Your Career

Growing Place is a regional leader in constructivist early education. Explore open positions and apply online today.

Apply Now