Early Childhood Education Historical Milestones

By ji1972
  • Period: Jan 1, 1500 to

    History of Early Childhood Educaton Milestones

  • Jan 1, 1546

    Martin Luther (1483-1546)

    He influenced Universal Education by translating the Bible from Latin so people could be educated in their own language. Luther advocated for establishing schools to teach all children to read.

  • John Comenius (1592-1670) and John Locke 1600's (1632-1704)

    Both men thought early experiences formed what the child would be like. Learning should be done early! They also believed experiences are the basis of all learning and early learning determines life success. John Locke saw the newborn as a blank slate.

  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) and Johann Pestalozzi (1746-1827)1700s

    Both individuals advocated for natural approaches to child rearing and education. The family was thought to be the best approach to education for young children. Education should follow the course of nature.

  • Robert Owen (1771-1856) 1800s

    Owen believed that society can shape a child's character while the environment determines one's beliefs and behaviors. He also taught that education can help build a new society.

  • Friedrich Froebel( 1782-1852)- Kindergarten 1800s

    Froebel believed that children develop through "unfolding" . He also believed that children learn through play so he developed "gifts" and "occupations" to help them learn. Froebel compared to the job a teacher to a gardner. He founded the kindergaren, "Garden of Children." He was influenced by Pestalozzi.

  • Montessori Method -Maria Montessori (1870-1952) 1900's

    Montessori believed that knowledge comes intrinsically from senory experiences. She also believed that the respect for children is the foundation of teaching while prepared environments are essential for learning.

  • Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)-Social Context

    Vgotsky was interested in the effect of culture on development. He was an advocate of scaffolding which provided learners with assistance and support. Communication between teachers and children can lead to higher levels of learning.

  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

    This professional membership organization works to promote high-quality learning for all young children birth through 8 years of age. It works to make sure all children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their potential.

  • John Dewey (1859--1952) -Pregressive Education -1900's

    Dewey, an American, also adovocated for experiental learning. He believed in education that should be child-centered and that the curriculum should be based on the child's interests.

  • National Defense Education Act (NDEA)

    Its founding idea was that the best defense is a good educational offense. NDEA was considered the beginning of federal standards in education in the United States. It provided federal funding in science, technology, engineering, math and foreign language.

  • Jean Piaget (1896-1980) and the Cognitive Theory 1900's

    Piaget was a stage theorist that believed the stages unfold through maturation. He saw children as active learners and that hands-on learning was more important than sitting and listening to a teacher.

  • Erik Erikson (1902-1994)

    Erikson was concerned with what's hidden deep in the phyche. He believed that cognitive development occurs in conjunction with social development (psychosocial development). All children need predictable , consistent, love, care, and education.

  • Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment (NAEYC)

    The Code offers guidelines for responsible behavior and sets forth a common basis for resolving the ethical dilemmas encountered in early childhood education and care. The primary focus of the Code is on daily practice with children and their families in programs for children from birth to 8 years of age.

  • No Child Left Behind Act

    It was established by the National Defense Education Act. It emphasizes accountability through testing. It has its opponents because they rely too heavily on standardized testing rather than authentic assessment means.

  • Preschool for All initiatve- President Obama

    President Obama called upon Congres to expand access to high-quality preschool to every child in America. In 2014, with new federal investments the President announced that over $1 billion would be invested in the education and development in early learners.