Early Childhood

  • Kindergarten

    Friedrich Wilhelm Froebel started his kindergarten, centered around children's self-activity and play.
  • Infant School

    Robert Owen opened an infant school for children whose parents worked in his mills as an agent of social reform.
  • Hampton Institute

    The Hampton Institute established a laboratory kindergarten for African Americans.
  • Progressive Movement

    John Dewey established a laboratory school at he the University of Chicago where he developed a pragmatic approach to education.
  • Montessori Method

    Maria Montessori opened Casa di Bambini (Children's House) in the slums of Rome, Italy, focusing on environment and sequential steps.
  • Nursery School

    Margaret McMillan opened Deptford School, an open-air school in the slums of London, emphasizing fresh air and play.
  • Kaiser Shipyard

    The Kaiser Shipyard opened a 24 hour on-site child care center for the children of its employees.
  • Reggio Emilia

    Loris Malguzzi started a school in Reggio Emilia, Italy, emphasizing a child's creative expression.
  • Head Start

    Head Start, founded by The Economic Opportunity Act, began offering preschool and other services to children from low-income families.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act

    Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requiring programs to accommodate for the needs of children with disabilities.