Possible Schools

Possible Schools tells the compelling story of the Model Early Learning Center (MELC) in Washington, DC — the only school in a U.S. urban area to successfully implement the principles of the Municipal Preschools of Reggio Emilia. The author describes the origin of this school, which served impoverished urban families, and traces its evolution from a chaotic inception to its ability to apply Reggio practices.

Both inspirational and straightforward in its details, this book describes:

• A new vision for early education, showing how children and families in poverty will thrive when their abilities are promoted and intellect respected.
• The structure of the program, providing guidance to anyone wanting to adapt the Reggio Approach in their school.
• Children’s incredible accomplishments, including many photos.
• Teachers’ development, both personally and professionally, as they learned to use an approach that involves a new role for teachers.
• The role of Reggio educator Amelia Gambetti, who spent a year at the MELC.
• Parent involvement in many new and expanded roles.
• The complex circumstances that resulted in the eventual closing of the school.

Ann Lewin-Benham founded and for 20 years directed the Capital Children’s Museum in Washington, DC, where she also founded and directed the Model Early Learning Center, the only U.S. preschool accredited by Reggio educators. Her books include Possible Schools; Powerful Children; Infants and Toddlers at Work; Twelve Best Practices for Early Education; and What Learning Looks Like (with Reuven Feuerstein). For information about Ann’s teacher workshops visit her website: AnnLewin-Benham.com.

“Ann Lewin-Benham is one of the most remarkable builders of educational institutions of our time, and she is a great storyteller….The Model Early Learning Center is…proof that schools in the Reggio tradition can be created even in the most challenging urban disadvantaged areas.”
From the Foreword by Howard Gardner

“This honest, gripping account documents not only the real potential for applying the Reggio Emilia approach in diverse American preschools serving our neediest children, but also demonstrates the very real potentials of those children, their families, and teachers.”
Sue Bredekamp, Council for Professional Recognition, Washington, DC

“A beautifully written antidote to current overly optimistic views and must reading for both educators and policymakers.”
Edward Zigler, Sterling Professor of Psychology, Emeritus, Yale University