10.11: Early Childhood Education Timeline

  • 1500

    Martin Luther

    Luther promoted reading in schools and believed that students would be able to connect better with their religion if they were able to interpret religious documents on their own.
  • John Amos Comeniu (The "Father of Education")

    Created the first picture book, "Orbis Pictus", for children. Believed that education in early childhood was very important. Advocate for sensory learning.
  • Philosopher Jean-Jacques Roussueau

    States that a child's mode of thinking is different than an adult and they learn through hands-on experience.
  • Johann Pestalozzi

    Established what is considered to the first school to teach preschool-age children.
  • The Garden of Children (Kindergarten)

    Created by Friedrich Frobel. Believed that children are unique with unique needs.
  • Elizabeth Peabody

    Responsible for the first kindergarten in the United States that used the English language.
  • First public school kindergarten started in St. Louis.

  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act

    Created in 1965 to help low-income families to get educations.
  • Child Care and Development Grant is enacted

  • The Preschool for All Initiative

    Passed by President Obama. Created high-quality preschools nationwide. Promotes access to education for children under the ages of 4.