Carla Rinaldi Obituary-Death News; Carla Rinaldi, Honorary President of the Reggio Children Foundation, Has Passed Away
Carla Rinaldi, Honorary President of the Reggio Children Foundation and one of the brightest lights in the world of education, has passed away today. Her departure leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing her — as a colleague, a friend, a mentor, and a visionary.
The news is met with profound sorrow by countless individuals around the world who were touched by her intelligence, warmth, and unwavering dedication to children.
Carla was not only an extraordinary educator but also an extraordinary human being. Those who knew her closely will remember her for her vivacity, her curiosity, her grace, and above all, her humanity. Her presence lit up rooms; her ideas lit up minds. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, and respected whether they were a child or an academic.
Her loss is felt deeply by her family, her friends, the wider educational community, and by the people of Reggio Emilia, where her work helped to define a cultural legacy that will endure for generations.
From the earliest days of the Reggio Emilia Approach that extraordinary educational philosophy that has since captivated the world — Carla Rinaldi was there. Not as a distant figure, but as a first-person protagonist.
With insight and passion, she worked hand-in-hand with Loris Malaguzzi to develop what would become one of the most admired and transformative educational approaches in the world.
She believed fiercely in the potential of every child — in their right to express themselves, to explore, and to be active participants in their own learning. She was among the first to articulate and defend the “hundred languages of children,” a metaphor that has since become synonymous with educational richness and creativity.
Carla Rinaldi’s vision was nothing short of revolutionary. Through her work, she helped redefine the way education is conceived — not just in Reggio Emilia, not just in Italy, but around the globe.
She championed a culture of peace, inclusion, and democratic participation in learning. Her advocacy for children’s rights and for the value of listening has reshaped pedagogical theory and practice in countries near and far.
Beyond her academic achievements, Carla was also a tireless ambassador for Reggio Children, Reggio Children srl, and the Reggio Children Foundation.
Her leadership ensured that the values born in Reggio Emilia could be shared, adapted, and appreciated internationally, while always remaining rooted in the rich context of her beloved city. In doing so, she brought honor to Reggio Emilia and opened countless minds and hearts around the world.
In these hours of deep sadness, we extend our heartfelt embrace to Carla’s family, to her colleagues and collaborators, and to all those who work in the municipal schools and infant-toddler centers that carry forward her legacy. We grieve with them, but we also celebrate a life so fully lived, so generously given in the service of children, families, and educators everywhere.
To honor Carla’s life and contributions, the burning room will be set up tomorrow, Thursday, April 17, at the Reverberi Honoranze Funebri hall, in Via Terezin, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, April 18, beginning at 9:00 a.m., the citizens of Reggio Emilia will have the opportunity to pay their respects in the Tricolor Room, followed by a public commemoration at 11:30 a.m.
Carla Rinaldi’s voice may be silent, but her message continues to echo. Her ideas live on in every classroom where children are listened to, respected, and encouraged to express themselves in their many languages.
Her legacy is not just in what she built, but in the hope and beauty she inspired in others. She has not just left us — she remains with us, in every joyful, curious, and creative child who learns through wonder.
