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Idea of universal preschool in the U.S
The idea of preschool was first introduced in the U.S. This idea was introduced by the Infant School Society of Boston. They submitted a petition to incorporate infant schools into the Boston Public school system. -
John Dewey
John Dewey has three major contributions. Progressive educational movement, children's interests form the basis of the curriculum and to educate children for today- not tomorrow. John Dewey is quoted in saying and believing "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." He is believed to have done more to redirect the course of education in the U.S than any other person. -
Maria Montessori
Maria Montessori created The Montessori method for educating young children. This approach respects, values the human spirit. It is designed to develop the whole child. Physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. -
Jean Piaget
Jean Piaget studied how children learn and develop intellectually. He spent his life observing, experimenting and trying to understand children. He included his own children in his experiments. He came up with several theories, including the congnitive theory approach to learning. -
Lev Vygotsky
Vygotsky believed that children's mental, language and social development is both supported and enhanced by others. He further believed that children seek out adults for social interaction from birth and that development occurs through these social interactions. Vygotsky believed that learning drives development. -
Erik Erikson
Erikson developed the theory of psychosocial development. This is based on the idea that both cognitive and social development occur hand in hand and cannot be separated. He believed that adults, especially parents and teachers are key parts to the child's environment. This is why these adults play a powerful role in helping or hindering children's personalities and cognitive development. -
Civil Rights
The civil rights movement of the 1960's forever changed the course of education in the U.S. In this movement the federal government became a larger presence in education. This ensured education for all. -
No child left behind
The no child left behind act of 2001 is the current reauthorization of ESEA. This act emphasizes accountability through testing. All 50 states have standards that specify exactly what a child should know and do.