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John Locke and the theory of a blank slate
John Locke theorized that humans are born with their mind as a blank slate. Through environment and experience, the mind will form. His theory influences modern early childhood education by encouraging a good foundation for learning in the youngest years. -
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Friedrich Wilhelm Froebel as "Father of the kindergarten"
Froebel believed that children were seeds that needed to be planted. Kindergarten, in German, means "garden of children". He believed children were like seeds and teachers must provide the soil and water for them to succeed. He influences today's early childhood programs by his promotion of self-activity and learning through play. -
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John Dewey and Progessivism
Dewey theorized that children learn more if the learning is focused toward their interests. He emphasized a child-centered curriculum and to bring in household traditions for the children - for example, learning to count by using apples and bananas, common household items. His theory influences modern early childhood education by encouraging child-centered education. -
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Jean Piaget and Cognitive Theory
Piaget theorized about how children develop their intelligence through direct experiences. He thought it was all about learning to adapt to new knowledge and build on what they already know. He thought that children actively seek knowledge. His theory influences modern early childhood education by encouraging teachers to give sense stimulating toys to children and build on past experiences. -
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Erik Erikson and Psychosocial Theory
Erikson theorized that cognitive and social development occur at the same time. children's personalities develop within society's demands. Teachers play powerful roles in helping this development, to make sure the children do not feel inferior or unappreciated. His theory influences modern early childhood education by challenging teachers to provide environments where children can feel safe to explore and follow their interests. -
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Abraham Maslow and The Hierarchy of Human Needs
Maslow's theory of self-actualization states that "children cannot achieve self-actualization until certain basic needs - including food,shelf, safety and love - are met." If a child is hungry, they will not be able to pay attention and learn from a teacher teaching. -
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The Economic Opportunity Act
President Lyndon B. Johnson implemented the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) in 1964. It was to promote health and education to people in low economic status. The EOA provided the bases for Head Start. This act influences modern early childhood education by providing all children with the education necessary for basic living in the 21st century. -
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No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act started the standardized testing for children. The NCLB act is supported by federal funding. There is a large debate currently on whether standardized testing is a good assessment tool. This act influences modern child education by setting an accountability for teachers to reach yearly.