Children learn better when they are calm and focused. This teaches them the necessary coping skills for emotional regulation. The Reggio Emilia approach is based upon creating a play environment that is calming and safe where children are free to explore and learn using sensory motor skills. Sensory motor skills refers to the child's ability to interpret the world around them using their five senses (touching, smelling, tasting, seeing and hearing) and respond accordingly, for example; a child smells a cake then picks it up and eats the cake.

An important aspect of the Reggio Emilia approach is the environment as the third teacher. This can be done in several ways such as using nature related toys, for example; sand/mud, sticks, stones, sea shells, light and dark, etc.  Children also use realistic toys for play in all areas of the Early Years and Child and Family Centres.  Some examples are toy fruits, play furniture, wooden toys (over plastic toys).  Natural/neutral coloured toys help to imitate home.

The Reggio Emilia approach creates an environment for your child that allows self-discovery. The role that the OEYC staff plays in regards to the child’s development is to model child directed play. Together, staff and parents follow the child's lead. By observing a child at play we the adults join in the play, not direct the play. For example, if a child is playing at the playdough table, we as the adults will not assume what the child is making, instead we will say,  “Johnny, tell me about what you are making”.

OEYC staff is also knowledgeable and trained in all aspects of child development and parenting needs. Staff serves as a resource to families and the community.