-
Orbis Pictus, the first picture book was created for children.
John Comenius authored the first picture children's book in the 1600's. Comenius was one of the first to believe early experiences shape who we are as people. Today, story telling is an important part of early childhood, especially in the classroom. -
Robert Owen argues that, "Education can help build a new society" (Morrison p.73)
Today, in the early childhood education field it is a give-in that through education we can shape a better future; however this ideal should not be taken for granted. It wasn't until Robert Owen, who was born in 1771, thought that the environment shapes the child and thus by creating a positive and nurturing environment for children, we can change the world. Robert Owens emphasized early education, starting with infants. -
The Montessori Method is Created
Maria Montessori, born in 1870 created the very popular teaching method associated with her namesake. The Montessori Method has proven so successful that many private and public schools have adopted this method of pedagogy. This method focuses on meeting the child where they are at and honoring the full individual which makes it, from anecdotal evidence, a great method for children who are falling through the cracks at other institutions. -
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow, born in 1908 argued that there is a hierarchy of needs, and we must meet the most basic needs first before attempting to do more advanced development such as learning. This is applicable to early childhood education, or child rearing in general. When a child does not feel safe or loved, they will not be able to learn in ways that a child who is assured of their safety will. This theory is called self-actualization, and is still applicable today. -
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Equal Opportunity in Education Act)
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 attempted to bring equal opportunity to life by including the individual's right to public education. Of course, not all public schools are created equal, and not all areas in the United States have public preschool programs, but it was a great start over 50 years ago. -
Head Start Act of 1981
The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 provisions lead to the formation of the Head Start Act of 1981. Head Start is a program that is an anti-poverty measure and provides low-income families with early childhood education programs among other things. Head Start focuses on bringing school readiness and preparedness to all children, regardless of their socio-economic status. -
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
in 1990, the EAHC was renamed The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act which is an indicator that as a society we are progressing and choosing more sensitive titles in our education system. This creates a more open and accepting environment which then translates to all students, no matter what differing ability, feel safe and secure in school. -
One Billion Dollar Investment In Early Childhood Education (Kerr)
in 2014, President Obama announces he will be investing one billion dollars into early childhood education. This amount of money, although it is just a small amount for a national program, is a nod to the early childhood education system itself. Citation:
Press, Jennifer C. Kerr Associated. "Obama announces $1 billion investment for early childhood education." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service, 28 Apr. 2015