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Jan 1, 1500
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
German reformer and advocate of establishing schools to teach children how to read. Martin Luther was on the path to becoming a successful lawyer until a near death experience immediately converted his path to become a monk. (9) image courtesy of Google Images -
John Amos Comenius (1592-1670)
Czech Educator and religious leader who wrote Orbis Pictus, the first picture book for children. Comenius believed early experiences formed the child and that education should occur through the senses. He set out to reform society through education. (14)(10)
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John Locke (1632-1704)
English philosopher, named a King's Scholar, composed 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.' Locke believed children were born as blank tablets and that experiences are the basis for all learning.Thus, children's experiences determined who they are. (7) (10) image courtesy of Google Images -
Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852)
German educator who is known as the father of kindergarten or "Garden of Children". In 1831 Froebel accepted the Swiss government’s invitation to train elementary school teachers; as head of a new orphan asylum which taught him the importance of the early stages of education. (3)(10) image courtesy of Google Images -
Robert Owen (1771-1852)
British social reformer; sponsored and encouraged many experimental utopian communities. Said that environment determines a child's beliefs, behaviors, and achievements.
Believed that society can shape children's character; taught that education can help build a new society. (4) (10) image courtesy of Google Images -
Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
In 1896, Montessori became the first female doctor in Italy. She was Italian physician and educator who later formed the Montessori method for educating young children with the foundation of respect for children. Using learning materials set to meet the needs of young children coupled with prepared environments that are essential for learning. (8) (10) image courtesy of Google Images -
Abigail Adams Eliot (1892-1992)
A pioneer in the field of ECE; with the help from Mrs. Henry Greenleaf Pearson, they established one of the first educational nursery schools in the US. She believed that educational programs should be balanced to help children become secure and independent and that nursery school was not custodial care but a genuine educational program. Her work reflected an interest in and a respect for children. (1) (10) image courtesy of Google Images -
National Association for the Education of Young Children is founded
Promotes high quality learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy and research. NAEYC accreditation is the gold standard for early childhood programs across the country. Families of young children who attend NAEYC-accredited programs can be confident that they deliver the highest quality early care and education. (11) image courtesy of Google Images -
Jean Paiget (1859-1952)
Swiss biologist, psychologist and scientist who created highly influential theories on the stages of mental development among children. Developed the theory of cognitive development based on ages and stages. And believed mental and physical activities are important for cognitive development. (6) (10) image courtesy of Google Images -
National Head Start Association Founded
President Lyndon Johnson (1964) asked a panel of child development experts to design a program to help communities meet the needs of disadvantaged preschool children. The panel report named the Cooke Report after its chair Dr. Robert Cooke became the blueprint for Project Head Start. NHSA worked diligently for policy changes that ensure all at-risk children have access to the Head Start model of support for the whole child, the family and the community. (12) image courtesy of Google Images -
Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)
U.S. Psychologist who was a practitioner of humanistic psychology. He is known for his theory of self-actualization, which is based on needs motivation. Maslow believed that human development is a process of meeting basic needs throughout life and that teachers should develop programs to meet children's basic needs. His emphasis was on providing safety, security, love, and affection for all children. (2) (10) image courtesy of Google Images -
Erik Erikson (1902-1994)
German-born American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst. Stated that life is a series of eight stages with each stage representing a critical period in social development.
Believed all children need predictable, consistent love, care, and education. There is speculation that Erikson became inquisitive of the 'identity' due to the fact that he never met his biological father. (5) (10)
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No Child Left Behind Act Established
Mandates high-stakes student testing, holds schools accountable for student achievement levels, and provides penalties for schools that do not make adequate yearly progress toward meeting the goals of NCLB. This Act has been modified and replaced with Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015. (14) image courtesy of Google Images
