The Butterfly School
The Butterfly School is a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool in the heart of Homewood, Alabama
Learning as a Shared Journey
The Butterfly School is a child-centered program rooted in the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach, where learning is a shared journey and knowledge is built through relationships, inquiry, and meaningful exploration.
In our nurturing environment for children ages 2–4, each child is seen as capable, thoughtful, and full of potential. We believe learning happens in relationship—with others, with materials, and with the world around us. Through open-ended exploration and creative expression, children are encouraged to wonder, investigate, and make meaning in their own unique way.
Together, we cultivate a community where childhood is respected, ideas are valued, and learning unfolds through relationships, inquiry, and the many languages of children.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
— Fred Rogers
Hi, I'm Paula Smalley.
I'm excited to introduce The Butterfly School with a Reggio Emilia approach to the Homewood community!
I have worked with preschool children for 30 years. Over the years I have had the chance to explore new approaches to learning as well as lean on older ones. I am genuinely passionate about coming alongside families to help nurture children in their first school experience. I have always dreamed of using my experience to start an independent preschool that encourages the love of learning in children.
“Children need the
FREEDOM to appreciate the infinite resources of their
HANDS, their EYES, and their EARS, the resources of
FORMS, MATERIALS, SOUNDS, and COLORS.”
— Loris Malaguzzi
“The child has a hundred languages… a hundred ways of thinking, of playing, of speaking.”
— Loris Malaguzzi
Scribbles are the child’s first languare on paper–every line carries intention, curiosity, and meaning.
❊ FAQs
Program schedule options:
Tuesday Thursday (9:00am-12:00pm)
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday (9:00am-12:00pm)
Small group sizes to foster close relationships and individualized attention
Location update:
Our permanent location is currently being finalized
We are committed to securing a warm, inspiring and safe environment that reflects our values.
Enrollment timeline:
Registration is expected to open in May for the 2026-2027 school year
Limited spots will be available to maintain a high quality experience
What makes us unique:
Thoughtfully designed program inspired by The Reggio Emilia Approach
We nurture curiosity through hands on creative child led learning experiences
Strong partnership with families
Commitment to creating a nurturing and joyful early childhood experience
Follow along as we build our school community from the ground up
“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.”
— Loris Malaguzzi
