-
Jan 1, 1483
Martin Luther
Emphasized the importance of teaching children to read in their native language. Translated the bible allowing people to be educated in their language. -
John Amos Comenius
Created the first children's picture book, "Orbis Pictus". Comenius believed children can be "pruned" and learning should take place early on. Also believed that sensory education forms the basis for all learning. -
John Locke
Theorized that the mind is a blank tablet. Locke cited that the environment and experience form the mind. He believed that development comes from the stimulation children receive from their parents and caregivers. -
Johann Pestalozzi
Pestalozzi was greatly influenced by Comenius and Rousseau, believing that children can achieve natural potential through sensory experiences. Pestalozzi developed object lessons to encourage activities such as counting, measuring and touching. Authored the book "Book for Mothers" to help parents teach their children at home. -
Friedrick Froebel
Froebel was known as "the father of kindergarten". Comparing children to a seed that is planted, wanting children to unfold like flowers. He developed a systematic curriculum based on "gifts". Forebel theorized that children develop through self activity and play which remains of the basic principles of early childhood practice today. -
Child Protection Law
Protection was sporadic prior to 1875 and those aware of maltreatment did try to intervene in some way. In 1875, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) became the first organization devoted to child protection. -
Jean Piaget
He was the first psychologist to study cognitive development. He applied the concept to explain how children change their thinking and grow cognitively. He believed that intelligence helped children adapt to their environments. -
Howard Gardner
Suggested that people can be smart in many different ways. He identified 9 intelligences which has and will continue to influence the educational practices of early childhood professionals. -
The Economic Opportunity Act
The EOA was part of Lyndon B. Johnson's war of poverty. It implemented social programs to promote health, education and welfare. In 1965, Head Start was born as a result. Head start is one of the longest running programs to address poverty in the US. Providing education to low income families. In 1981 the EOA was updated to as the Head Start Act. -
No Child Left Behind Act
The NCLB provides funds for disadvantage children. Schools that receive federal funding must administer state wide assessments of basic skills.