Our Lead Teachers
in Reggio-Emilia, Italy
2017

Mrs. Surniak began teaching at Parma Preschool in the 1990s. Back then it was a very traditional part-time preschool. Over time, Mrs. Surniak began to introduce a change in philosophy and curriculum. In 1998 she bought the school and became the owner and director.

In 2002 the school began establishing itself as a Reggio-Inspired preschool. Ms. Jackie and Mrs. Surniak joined a Reggio Study Group and began incorporating the approach from Italy into the entire school.

Soon, we began to join programs like Step Up To Quality, UPK, Ohio Healthy Programs, and became accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Today, we are the only Reggio-Inspired preschool in the area that is nationally accredited and holds a 5 star rating from Step Up To Quality.

Our staff continue to study the Reggio Emilia Approach and were honored to attend the 2017 International Study Group in Reggio-Emilia, Italy.

Parma Preschool builds relationships and creates environments

... where children are valued and seen as independent learners.

... where families are respected partners in the learning process.

... where teachers act as researchers and facilitate authentic whole child development.