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.
Two Ways to Learn With Us
Whether you want to see our approach in action or go deep on one practice with your team, there is a way in.
Come and see.
A 90 minute morning visit to one campus. Walk the atelier and classrooms, observe children at work when class is in session, then sit down with our team for Q&A. Best for educators and small teams who want a first look at Reggio inspired practice in a working school.
Explore Discovery ToursGo deeper.
A facilitated session on one topic, led by our pedagogical team and curated from what works in our own classrooms and what visiting educators tell us they need. Expect hands on practice, time to work with your own questions, and a certificate with clock hours for each participant. Offered at our campuses or at your site.
Specialty Workshops return in winter 2027.
See Specialty WorkshopsNeed something specific? We can curate a workshop around your team's goals with at least 30 days notice. Reach out to Lissette Rodriguez at lissette@growingplace.org.
Not sure where to start? Start with a tour. Many teams come back for a workshop.
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
Lab School
Marine Park
Ocean Park
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.
Discovery Tour FAQs
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.
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.
Social Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility
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?Classroom Environments that Promote Creativity
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?Infants & Toddlers: Lessons in RIE and Curriculum
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.
Educator Tours
$65 per person. Tour the environment, observe in the classrooms, and meet the team to discuss our philosophy.
Environment tour with optional photography (photos are welcome when children are not present).
Classroom observation and reflection meeting.
Meet a variety of Growing Place educators and our Educational Team.
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.
Educator FAQ
Questions educators ask us
Where can I observe a Reggio-inspired classroom in Los Angeles?
Growing Place offers educator tours in Santa Monica for early childhood educators from across Los Angeles and Southern California. You tour the environment, observe in the classrooms, attend a Reflection Meeting, and meet with our educators, Pedagogista, Atelierista, and Director to discuss our Reggio-inspired philosophy.
How much does a Growing Place educator tour cost?
Educator tours are $65 per person. Group tours for 10 or more educators and private tours are available by request.
What happens during an educator tour?
You tour the classroom environments, observe children and teachers at work, attend a Reflection Meeting, and have time for questions with our educators, Pedagogista, Atelierista, and Director. You are welcome to photograph the environment, though no video or photography is allowed after 9:00 am.
Does Growing Place offer Reggio Emilia professional development workshops in Southern California?
Yes. We host specialty workshops for early childhood educators in Santa Monica, such as Lines of Learning: Mapping Classroom Inquiry, held at the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School. Space is limited and registration fees are non-refundable.
Can I complete a practicum or internship at Growing Place?
Growing Place offers practicum and internship mentoring for emerging early childhood teachers. Our Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School is also a demonstration and collaboration site for Santa Monica College's Early Childhood Education program. Contact us to ask about current practicum positions.
How do I book an educator tour or group visit?
Email lissette@growingplace.org or call (310) 434-3811 to book an educator tour, arrange a group tour for 10 or more educators, or request a private tour for your school or district.