Our Infant Care Philosophy at LPE
The RIE Philosophy at Le Petit Elephant: Nurturing Respect at School and Home
At Le Petit Elephant Nursery and Preschool, one of the guiding philosophies in our classrooms is RIE® (Resources for Infant Educarers). Developed by Magda Gerber, the RIE approach is rooted in the belief that even the youngest children deserve to be treated with the same respect we offer adults. Children thrive when they are given space to explore, opportunities to engage meaningfully, and consistent environments where they feel safe and understood.
Core Principles of RIE®
At its heart, the RIE philosophy emphasizes:
Respectful Relationships – Every interaction, from diapering to mealtimes, is seen as an opportunity to connect and build trust. Teachers slow down, speak to children about what is happening, and invite cooperation.
Authentic Observation – Educators observe before intervening, giving children the chance to problem-solve, explore, and discover at their own pace.
Uninterrupted Play – Play is the child’s work. Long stretches of self-directed play build focus, creativity, and confidence.
Safe, Simple Environments – RIE encourages thoughtfully prepared environments with natural materials, open-ended play opportunities, and freedom of movement.
How We Use RIE at Le Petit Elephant
In our infant and toddler classrooms, RIE principles guide both our daily rhythms and our relationships with children. Teachers narrate routines, such as saying, “I’m going to pick you up now,” before lifting a baby, allowing even the youngest child to feel respected and secure.
Children are given time to explore materials at their own pace, without unnecessary interruption. Instead of “teaching” through constant direction, we foster discovery by trusting children to learn through their play. Teachers remain close, observing and offering support only when needed, building both independence and resilience.
This respectful, unhurried approach creates calm classrooms where children feel truly seen and valued.
Consistency Between Home and School
For children to feel fully secure, it is important that the respect they experience at Le Petit Elephant is mirrored in their home environment. We encourage families to bring RIE principles into daily life by:
Slowing down routines – Diapering, feeding, and bedtime are opportunities to connect. Narrate your actions and invite your child’s participation.
Respectful communication – Talk to your child rather than around them, even if they cannot yet respond with words.
Providing open-ended play – Offer simple, natural toys and plenty of time for unstructured play, rather than relying on entertainment or overstimulation.
Creating a calm environment – Limit screen exposure and avoid overcrowding the play space with too many toys.
Trusting your child’s capabilities – Allow your child to try, explore, and make mistakes, knowing you are nearby for support.
When children experience the same respectful approach at home and at school, they are more content and confident across both settings. This consistency fosters secure attachments, smoother transitions, and a deep sense of belonging.
At Le Petit Elephant, we believe children flourish when their worlds feel connected, respectful, and secure. By working together with families to embrace RIE principles, we create a nurturing bridge between school and home that supports every child’s growth and happiness. You can read more about RIE Parenting in the follow resources: