Week 1 – $525 [June 23 – June 27]
Atelier of Nature: Natural Materials & Natural World
Week 2 – $420 [June 30 – July 3] (closed July 4th)
Atelier of Narratives, Story, and Transformation
Week 3 – $525 [July 7 – July 11]
Atelier of Music and Sound
Week 4 – $525 [July 14 – July 18]
Atelier of Light, Shadow, & Immersive Environments
Please contact Kaylen below.
Click here to download the registration form
Contact Kaylen@BranchesAtelier.com
310 260 1576
Dear ECE Community,
We are excited to introduce you to the 100 Languages Access Program, a unique scholarship opportunity for early childhood educators eager to explore and deepen their understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach in our context. At Branches Atelier, we believe every child possesses a rich array of voices—each worthy of respect and celebration. As Loris Malaguzzi famously articulated, children speak through “the hundred languages,” encompassing art, movement, sound, and storytelling, among others. Our mission is to empower you as educators to nurture and amplify these expressions, fostering environments where children’s creativity and imagination can thrive. Through this program, sponsored by the Mara W Breech Foundation, you will engage in a professional development and mentoring program guided by experienced educators, Patricia Hunter McGrath and Christina Bianchi, who are passionate about collaborative learning and meaningful connections with children. Together, we will explore innovative approaches to materials and their introduction into the classroom, ensuring that children’s voices are not only honored but actively engaged in their learning journeys. Join us as we embark on this transformative inaugural experience, a series of live in-person events for educators, online training, and resources. Let’s work together to celebrate the incredible richness of children’s expressions and ideas. We look forward to your application!
Warm regards,
Patricia and Christina
Please be aware that scholarship funding is limited, and not all individuals or teams who meet the eligibility guidelines will receive a scholarship. At this time, scholarship funds can only be used for program tuition and course materials and cannot be applied to travel expenses or other costs associated with attending or participating in the programs.
Now more than ever, children need opportunities to find and use their voices. In this moment, we are reminded of the power of self-expression—the kind that transforms, connects, and surprises.
Loris Malaguzzi, the visionary behind the Reggio Emilia approach, referred to paints, pencils, clay, light, movement, and more as “the hundred languages of children.” These materials are not just tools, but essential means through which children communicate their thoughts, emotions, and theories about the world.
At Branches Atelier, we believe it is our responsibility as educators to nurture these diverse forms of expression. We must commit to creating spaces where children’s voices—through gesture, sound, sculpture, paint, wire, story, and play—are honored, heard, and explored. This work requires educators with open hearts and minds and a deep passion for listening, collaboration, and making meaning with children.
With this vision in mind, we are proud to offer the 100 Languages Access Program for ECE Educators—a scholarship and mentoring opportunity for early childhood educators who are seeking to deepen their understanding of the 100 Languages. This professional development and mentorship program supports ECE educators in exploring how children make their ideas visible and how we, as adults, can become better partners in that journey. Come and Join Patricia Hunter McGrath, Christina Bianchi and our Branches teachers as we take a deep dive into The 100 Languages of Children.
Who Should Apply:
This opportunity is open to new or experienced:
Priority will be given to those working in or serving underserved communities.
Scholarship Award Includes:
We invite you to apply and join us in cultivating classrooms where every child’s language is welcomed, explored, and celebrated.
Branches Atelier is committed to providing accessible professional development opportunities in progressive early childhood education. We are offering five scholarships based on financial need for our upcoming trainings focused on the 100 Languages of Children, with a mixture of workshops via zoom, in-person events (at Branches Atelier in Culver City, CA), and materials training via video. Join us as we explore the power of materials to express ideas. Together, we will unpack how to move with fluidity between children’s individual theories, representations, group reflections, and investigations. How can we support children’s use of materials to communicate, collaborate, and innovate? How can we create rich environments that are ripe with possibilities to help all children thrive?
Eligibility Requirements:
A. ECE teachers who are new to the field, ECE students seeking further knowledge of the role that materials can play in a progressive classroom, or experienced teachers or mentors in early childhood education, and owners operating with or working for preschools in underserved communities are welcome to apply.
B. Demonstrated financial need: Written Submission
All applicants must be available to attend all scheduled sessions:
1. Welcome Orientation and Foundations to the 100 Languages: Tuesday, May 6th – Online
2. Palettes that Connect us to our World: Saturday, May 10th – In person
3. Engaging Natural Materials: Saturday, August 30th – In person
4. Intro to Reggio in Our Context: Wednesday, September 3rd & September 10th -Online
5. 100 Languages Access Mentoring Session Celebration Lunch and Presentation of Hundred Languages Certificates: Saturday, September 20
C. A strong interest in progressive early childhood education philosophies: Written submission and participation in a reflection session.
Scholarship Coverage:
The scholarship covers the cost of the professional development training and lunch at in-person events. Please note that an administration fee of ($25) is NOT included and will be the responsibility of the scholarship recipients, as are transportation costs to in-person events.
Application Instructions:
Please complete all sections of this application via the link . Incomplete applications will not be considered.
We sincerely thank the Mara W Breech Foundation for their generous support in making these scholarships possible. Their commitment allows Branches Atelier to continue engaging in the professional development of all teachers.
Before submitting your application, please carefully review to make sure that all questions are answered.
Applications must be complete and submitted to Christina Bianchi by Friday, April 25th 2025 at 5pm PST
Please be aware that scholarship funding is limited, and not all individuals or teams who meet the eligibility guidelines will receive a scholarship. At this time, scholarship funds can only be used for program tuition and cannot be applied to travel expenses or other costs associated with attending or participating in the programs.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/663473980d1243ea98c9ab6db238072b
You may also email questions to Christina at:
Applicants will be notified on April 29th 2025
Greetings all! We hope that you all are fresh and rejuvenated after Spring Break. We are busy with our first day back on campus.
We still have spaces available in all workshops.
We hope to see you soon!
2 nights via Zoom Cost $115 (for both nights)
Tue, Apr 22, 6pm – 9pm PDT
Tue, Apr 29, 6pm – 9pm PDT
Tue May 6th 2025, 6:30 pm PDT Cost: $50
Sat May 10th 2025, 9:00 am PDT Cost $135.00 (includes materials for you to take away)
At Branches– Culver City, CA
Sat May 24th 2025, 9:00 am PDT Cost $100
At Branches– Culver City, CA
All workshops https://collections.humanitix.com/branches-atelier-spring-workshops
@Branches Atelier 11359 West Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90066
@Branches Atelier 11359 West Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90066
This is the Third in our 3 part Series Bringing Curiosity into the Classroom, a new workshop series on bringing community dialogue to ignite classroom creativity. Local experts, innovators, and dynamic thinkers join us to impact education by fostering our curiosity and creating inspiring learning for young children. This is a chance to dialogue across disciplines as we hear about inspirations, methods, and strategies from our virtuosos. Theory becomes practice as we then take the opportunity to work with materials from the fields. Malaguzzi and the educators of Reggio Emilia challenge us to look outside the classroom for new ways to invigorate our curiosity and provide new perspectives and insights so we can do “nothing without joy.”
We invite the community to join in exploring and enriching how we see these contributions from across disciplines influence the cultural and educational fabric of our schools
Saturday, March 8th, 2025, 9 am to 3 pm
Cost: $110
Includes a light breakfast
Presented by: Patricia McGrath and Mojdeh Zavosh – Mindfulness Life, Wellness, Trauma Healing Coach & Reiki Master
Join us as we begin a dialogue about cultivating wellness in the school environment, and explore the wonderful world of scent with Mojdeh Zavosh .
Learn to bring the gift of aromatherapy into your life. Learn how essential oils can boost health and well-being, uplift your mood, help you feel calmer, and sleep better.
Together we will explore:
During our time together, you will also create a few aromatherapy recipes to take home with you.
Mojdeh (Maya) Zavosh is a Mindfulness Life, Wellness, Trauma Healing Coach & Reiki Master. In her practice she uses a holistic and interactive mind-body approach. She supports and empowers clients to tap into their own inner strength and wisdom so they may heal, thrive, and live vibrant and happy lives. In 2011 Mojdeh founded Shine From Within, where she facilitates workshops and coaching sessions for individuals and groups. She also holds free monthly meditation sessions online.
Cost: $50
Presented by: Patricia Hunter McGrath
Please join us for a special workshop series that focuses on a deep dive into The Hundred Languages of Children and learn how you can use these languages in your school or home.
Join us as we share our many years of experience using materials in creative and innovative ways with young children and deeply explore the tools, techniques, and strategies for introducing these wonderful materials into your classrooms and homes.
Together, we will explore in-depth a wide range of materials, tools, and techniques that can be introduced and integrated into your unique settings.
Finally, you will also learn how to plan and create ateliers that bring the joy and wonder of materials into your classrooms and homes.
Bringing Curiosity into The Classroom
This is the Third in our 3 part Series Bringing Curiosity into the Classroom, a new workshop series on bringing community dialogue to ignite classroom creativity. Local experts, innovators, and dynamic thinkers join us to impact education by fostering our curiosity and creating inspiring learning for young children. This is a chance to dialogue across disciplines as we hear about inspirations, methods, and strategies from our virtuosos. Theory becomes practice as we then take the opportunity to work with materials from the fields. Malaguzzi and the educators of Reggio Emilia challenge us to look outside the classroom for new ways to invigorate our curiosity and provide new perspectives and insights so we can do “nothing without joy.”
We invite the community to join in exploring and enriching how we see these contributions from across disciplines influence the cultural and educational fabric of our schools
Saturday, March 8th, 2025, 9 am to 3 pm
Cost: $110
Includes a light breakfast
Presented by: Mojdeh Zavosh – Mindfulness Life, Wellness, Trauma Healing Coach & Reiki Master
Join us as we begin a dialogue about cultivating wellness in the school environment, and explore the wonderful world of scent with Mojdeh Zavosh .
Learn to bring the gift of aromatherapy into your life. Learn how essential oils can boost health and well-being, uplift your mood, help you feel calmer, and sleep better.
Together we will explore:
Dear Early Childhood Community,
We hope this message finds you well. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed remarkable strength, resilience, and generosity within our community as we navigate the effects of the wildfires. The outpouring of support—from parents, teachers, and colleagues coming together to share resources, offer assistance, and open their homes—has been a powerful testament to the deep bonds that unite us.
One school particularly affected is Methodist Preschool of Pacific Palisades, which lost its building. Despite this immense challenge, their determination to rebuild has been truly inspiring. They have already found a new space and begun welcoming their community back, ensuring that their children can reconnect and regain a sense of stability. As they work towards reopening their toddler program, we want to explore how we can come together to support them during this critical transition.
To help re-establish a nurturing environment for their youngest learners, we are reaching out to request donations of essential items. The school has compiled a list of materials that would help bring their new space to life, and we are asking if you might have any of these items in your own spaces or if you are able to contribute as they reopen their doors.
Additionally, if your school or another early childhood program in our community has been impacted and could use support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want to explore all possibilities for extending help where it is needed most.
Together, we can create a strong, compassionate network for our early childhood community, ensuring that those who nurture and educate our youngest learners receive the care and support they deserve.
If you can donate, please reach out to Estela, their Parent and Me Director, to arrange a time and place for drop-off at mpsparentandmeprogram@gmail.com.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to this shared effort.
With gratitude,
Patricia and Branches Atelier Community
Dear Early Childhood Community,
We hope this message finds you well. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed remarkable strength, resilience, and generosity within our community as we navigate the effects of the wildfires. The outpouring of support—from parents, teachers, and colleagues coming together to share resources, offer assistance, and open their homes—has been a powerful testament to the deep bonds that unite us.
One school particularly affected is Methodist Preschool of Pacific Palisades, which lost its building. Despite this immense challenge, their determination to rebuild has been truly inspiring. They have already found a new space and begun welcoming their community back, ensuring that their children can reconnect and regain a sense of stability. As they work towards reopening their toddler program, we want to explore how we can come together to support them during this critical transition.
To help re-establish a nurturing environment for their youngest learners, we are reaching out to request donations of essential items. The school has compiled a list of materials that would help bring their new space to life, and we are asking if you might have any of these items in your own spaces or if you are able to contribute as they reopen their doors.
Additionally, if your school or another early childhood program in our community has been impacted and could use support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We want to explore all possibilities for extending help where it is needed most.
Together, we can create a strong, compassionate network for our early childhood community, ensuring that those who nurture and educate our youngest learners receive the care and support they deserve.
If you can donate, please reach out to Estela, their Parent and Me Director, to arrange a time and place for drop-off at mpsparentandmeprogram@gmail.com.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment to this shared effort.
With gratitude,
Patricia and Branches Atelier Community
video message from Christina
Reggio Inspirations 