Montessori |
Child-centered, emphasizes independence and respect for the child’s natural development |
Integrated, based on child’s interests |
Self-directed, hands-on learning |
Observation, portfolio |
Montessori certification |
Varies, aim for low student-teacher ratio |
Depends on the school |
Encouraged, but not in the classroom |
Prepared through practical life skills |
Positive academic and social outcomes |
High, specialized training |
High, requires deep understanding of philosophy |
Depends on the school |
Depends on the school |
High, teachers adapt to each child’s needs |
Emphasizes practical life skills and academics |
Good, focus on practical life skills |
Generally high |
Generally high |
May lack structure for some children |
Reggio Emilia |
Child-centered, emphasizes social interaction and community |
Project-based, based on child’s interests |
Collaborative, experiential learning |
Observation, documentation |
Early childhood education degree |
Low student-teacher ratio |
Strong emphasis on inclusion |
High level of involvement |
Prepared through development of social and cognitive skills |
Positive social and cognitive outcomes |
High, specialized training |
High, requires deep understanding of philosophy |
Depends on the school |
Strong support and professional development |
High, teachers adapt to each child’s needs |
Emphasizes social interaction and academics |
Good, focus on social and cognitive skills |
Generally high |
Generally high |
Can be difficult to implement |
EYFS (UK) |
Balanced approach, emphasizes play and structured learning |
Broad, covers seven key areas of learning |
Mix of play-based and structured learning |
Observation, Early Learning Goals |
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in UK |
Legal maximum of 30 children per teacher |
Legal requirement for inclusion |
Encouraged, particularly in home learning |
Smooth transition to Key Stage 1 |
Positive academic and social outcomes |
Depends on the route to QTS |
Moderate, requires understanding of EYFS framework |
High, statutory framework |
Regular inspections by Ofsted |
Moderate, framework but teachers adapt to children |
Balanced approach to different areas of learning |
Good, prepares for Key Stage 1 |
Varies |
Varies |
Can be seen as too structured |
Froebel/Fröbel |
Child-centered, emphasizes importance of play |
Integrated, based on child’s interests |
Play-based, hands-on learning |
Observation, portfolio |
Early childhood education degree |
Varies, aim for low student-teacher ratio |
Depends on the school |
Encouraged |
Prepared through development of social and cognitive skills |
Positive academic and social outcomes |
Moderate, requires understanding of philosophy |
Moderate, requires understanding of philosophy |
Depends on the school |
Depends on the school |
High, teachers adapt to each child’s needs |
Emphasizes play and academics |
Good, focus on social and cognitive skills |
Generally high |
Generally high |
May lack academic rigor |