Eco-STEAM Learning Inspired by Reggio Emilia in Skyway, Seattle
At Petah Villages Eco-Learning Academy, our curriculum is Eco-STEAM–focused and Reggio Emilia–inspired, designed to nurture children’s natural curiosity through exploration, inquiry, and relationships. Serving families in Skyway, South Seattle, Tukwila, and Renton, we provide child-led, nature-based early learning for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a small-group setting.
Families searching for nature-based childcare, early learning programs near me, or Reggio-inspired preschool in South Seattle choose Petah Villages for our thoughtful blend of environmental learning, STEAM exploration, and relationship-centered care.
Our Educational Framework: Reggio Emilia + Eco-STEAM
Our curriculum draws inspiration from the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, which views children as capable learners who actively construct knowledge through experience. At Petah Villages, this philosophy is intentionally integrated with Eco-STEAM learning—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics grounded in environmental exploration.
Learning unfolds through inquiry, collaboration, and hands-on discovery rather than predetermined outcomes, allowing children’s interests to guide the learning process.
The Three Teachers in Our Learning Community
The Parent — The First Teacher
The Classroom Teacher — Guide, Researcher, Collaborator
The Environment — The Third Teacher
We recognize parents and caregivers as a child’s first and most influential teacher. Families are active partners in learning, sharing insights that help educators design experiences aligned with each child’s interests, culture, and development.
Through open communication, observation, sharing, and portfolio documentation, families remain closely connected to their child’s learning journey.
Our educators act as co-researchers, observing children closely and designing Eco-STEAM experiences that deepen thinking and curiosity. Teachers ask meaningful questions, introduce materials, and support collaboration—helping children test ideas, problem-solve, and reflect.
Rather than delivering information, educators:
Follow children’s questions and interests
Support investigation and experimentation
Encourage creativity and critical thinking
Foster communication and teamwork
The learning environment at Petah Villages is intentionally designed to support Eco-STEAM inquiry and exploration. Our indoor classrooms and outdoor spaces—including 2.4 acres of nature-rich land with over one acre of protected wetlands—serve as active participants in the learning process.
Materials are open-ended, natural, and thoughtfully arranged to invite:
Exploration and experimentation
Engineering and construction
Observation and documentation
Artistic expression
Environmental awareness
Children’s work and thinking are reflected in the space, honoring their learning process and making learning visible
Whole-Child Development
Through Eco-STEAM
Social-Emotional Development (collaboration, empathy, self-regulation)
Language & Pre-Literacy
(storytelling, discussion, documentation)
Early Math & Reasoning
(patterns, measurement, comparison)
Science & Environmental Awareness (observation, inquiry, care for nature)
Engineering & Problem-Solving
(building, testing, revising ideas)
Creative Expression
(art, movement, imagination)
