Social changes have given rise to the emergence of modern alternative forms of early and preschool education, which, unlike traditional forms, involve a process of two-way learning between the child and the educator. The most famous alternative forms of pedagogy are the pedagogical conception of Marie Montessori, Waldorf pedagogy, Agazzi pedagogy and Reggio pedagogy. One of the most modern and well-known models of alternative pedagogy is Reggio pedagogy through the application of which the child develops significant competency skills for further growth and development. The most famous elements of Reggio pedagogy in early and preschool education are creating a positive image of the child as a competent being, the role of space and environment as a third educator, cooperation between children, parents and educators through learning partnerships, deviating from the education curriculum approach and symbolic languages of the child. In this research, the author analyzes the elements of Reggio pedagogy and their impact on child development in early and preschool education in kindergarten Mali istraživač who works on the concept and values of Reggio pedagogy. The research was conducted with a questionnaire (N = 40) on knowledge of the elements and values of Reggio pedagogy in early and preschool education, which was sent to educators and professional associates in the kindergarten Mali istraživač. The aim of the research was to discover the knowledge and attitude of the respondents made up of educators, ie professional associates in the kindergarten Mali istraživač, about the elements of Reggio pedagogy and the importance and knowledge of the Reggio concept in early and preschool education. The analysis and evaluation of the respondents' answers showed that the respondents are largely familiar with the importance of using the elements of Reggio pedagogy in early and preschool education and their impact on the positive development of children's competencies. As the most important elements of Reggio pedagogy in early and preschool education, respondents singled out: creating an image of the child as a competent person, research, space and environment in the role of third educator and the role of using natural materials, collaborative relationships and learning partnerships. project learning. Furthermore, this research showed that the application of elements of Reggio pedagogy in early and preschool education develops children's competencies such as development of independence, development of positive self-image, encouraging and developing children's creativity and development of cooperation and partnerships between children and children and adults. . According to the results of the research, the application of elements of Reggio pedagogy in early and preschool education in early and preschool education institutions in the Republic of Croatia would significantly improve the quality of early and preschool education.