The Jewish Reggio Inspired Curriculum

A dynamic, whole-child approach to Jewish learning for young children (ages 0–5)—inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and enriched with elements of Montessori—to spark creativity, confidence, and joyful, values-driven discovery rooted in Jewish culture and tradition in the early childhood classroom.

Holistic Growth

Nurturing curiosity, creativity, compassion and confidence through play-based, process focused, values-driven learning experiences for every child.

15+

Years of Experience

Who we are

Rooted in Jewish Tradition, Growing Through Exploration

A year-long curriculum with experiential-based lessons designed to support whole-child development. Through engaging, hands-on learning rooted in Jewish values and traditions, with this curriculum children build essential skills, develop curiosity, grow emotionally, and reach developmental milestones in a joyful, meaningful way—while building a strong sense of belonging to their Judaism.

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Foundations of the Jewish Reggio Inspired Curriculum

Child-Centered, Process-Driven Learning

Empowers children to explore, create, reflect, and grow through experiences.

The curriculum honors children as capable, intelligent, and expressive individuals, emphasizing their active role in their own development. It focuses on the learning process rather than the final product, with experiences designed to engage children deeply through exploration and play.

Teachers act as guides, using open-ended questions and thoughtfully planned provocations to foster creativity, critical thinking, and independence. Children are encouraged to experiment, create, and engage in problem-solving.

Holistic Development Through a Jewish Lens

Whole-child growth rooted in Jewish values and tradition.

In this curriculum, learning is seamlessly woven across developmental domains: cognitive, emotional, physical, and creative, within a Jewish cultural and traditional context. Children are offered a broad range of expressive and exploratory activities that support whole-child growth.

General and Judaic themes are integrated, helping children form meaningful connections to their heritage while developing essential academic and life skills. Jewish life and learning are experienced as interconnected and alive within everyday classroom experiences and beyond.

Relationships that Nurture Growth

Safe, caring spaces filled with nature that build confidence, curiosity, connection, & resilience.

In this curriculum, the environment is intentionally designed to be inviting, accessible, and inspiring, acting as a “third teacher” that promotes autonomy and focus. A key component of the environment is a deep connection with nature.

Social-emotional learning is foundational, with an emphasis on empathy, community, and emotional regulation.

Parents are viewed as partners in the learning journey, ensuring a deep connection between home and school to create a strong foundation for children.

The Jewish Reggio-Inspired Curriculum has reached 75+ early childhood centers globally since its 2023 launch.

Testimonial

Trusted by Educators Worldwide

This year, incorporating the Jewish Reggio-inspired curriculum into our 3-year-old classroom was incredibly impactful. The approach allowed us to blend child-led exploration with meaningful Jewish values and traditions, creating a warm, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment. The emphasis on inquiry and discovery encouraged our young learners to take ownership of their learning. Whether we were exploring Shabbat through sensory provocations or learning about mitzvot through hands-on acts of kindness, the curriculum gave us the tools to make Jewish learning relevant, tangible, and joyful. One of the most powerful aspects was the integration of Jewish identity into everyday experiences. Children weren’t just learning about holidays or rituals—they were living them through storytelling, art, nature, and dramatic play. The Reggio philosophy of honoring each child’s voice helped us connect to Jewish themes in a deeply personal and authentic way. Overall, the Jewish Reggio curriculum provided a beautiful foundation for both social-emotional development and spiritual growth, fostering curiosity, compassion, and a strong sense of belonging within our classroom community. Thank you!

The curriculum has really elevated the teaching in the classrooms. The teachers are really loving it.

Thank you for an amazing curriculum !! Love it !! Your curriculums are so amazing and very helpful, especially for new teachers.

From her coaching to her curriculum, Mimi has really helped our learning come to life in the Nursery classes of CHDS! We have loved utilizing the creative ideas from Mimi's lesson plans. They are open-ended, child led, and incorporate so many important skills!

Ready to Bring Joyful, Meaningful Jewish Learning to Your Center?

Discover how the Jewish Reggio-Inspired Curriculum can transform your classroom with intentional environments, hands-on learning, and values-based experiences. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to dive in, let’s connect!

Meet the Author

The Heart Behind the Curriculum

Mimi Wilhelm brings over two decades of experience in early childhood education. She is the founder and former director of The Gan Preschool, a Reggio-inspired program in Portland, Oregon that she led for many years. Throughout her career, Mimi has passionately explored how to weave Jewish values and traditions into developmentally appropriate, child-centered learning, drawing from both Reggio Emilia and Montessori methodologies.

Mimi holds a master’s degree in education, specializing in curriculum design. A mother of eight children ranging in age from one to nineteen, she also brings a wealth of practical, real-life experience to her work with teachers and school leaders. Mimi passionately advocates for the formative years in a child’s life and the pivotal role educators play.

In September 2023, she authored the Jewish Reggio Inspired Curriculum, already embraced by 75 preschools nationwide. Currently, Mimi gives workshops and coaches teachers and ECE directors nationwide. Mimi is committed to equipping educators with essential tools for effective leadership in early childhood education.