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Period: Jan 1, 1480 to
ECE History Timeline
A history of important events in Early Childhood Education. -
Jan 1, 1483
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Martin Luther translated the Bible from Latin to vernacular language. This allowed people to be educated in their own languages and helped to make education available to children by helping open schools, and teaching people to read. Martin Luther was a huge advocate that every person should be educated. This was the true start to education! -
John Amos Comenius (1592-1670)
John Amos Comenius was a teacher and writer. He wrote the first text book, and first children's book that are known today. Comenius had a large belief that education should begin with young children, because you can teach them easily, as they are eager to learn. He also believe in sensory play, and an important role in all of education. -
John Locke (1632-1704)
John Locke is known best for his theory called Tabula Rasa, or the mind as a blank tablet. Locke believed that experience and environment make up the mind and that stimulation of children from parents and caregivers, along with environment are what make up the development of children. John Locke played a huge role in our education system today and the way that children are taught in our daily society. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)
Rousseau wrote a book called Emile, which laid the foundation for his philosophy of education. He believed in educating children using a "natural" method. The "natural" education method meaning that you educate children without much restriction, or interference. Rousseau is also known for helping shape todays education of "developmentally appropriate practices" meaning that children are taught based on their innate timetables. -
Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827)
Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi was a strong believer in sensory learning. He developed "object lessons" which incorporate things such as counting, measuring, feeling and touching. These sensory activities help children gain real world experience and learn from the items around them. -
Robert Owen (1771-1858)
Robert Owen believed that environments play a role in education by helping shape children's beliefs, behavior and achievements. This is still a large belief today. Owen opened an infant school in 1916 in New Lanark Scotland. His beliefs led to the first infant school opening in London in 1818. -
Friedrich Wilhelm Froebel (1782-1852)
Froebel is known as "the father of the kindergarten." Freobel believed that children should learn through self-activity and play. Froebel created a system (curriculum) based on different themes. This is very similar to curriculums and classroom set ups today which include different areas of play and learning. -
Maria Montessori (1870-1952)
Maria Montessori was the first woman in Italy to earn her medical degree. After earning her medical degree, she became very interested in children with disabilities. She was asked to help create schools for children in Rome, Italy. During her time in the schools, she perfected her method, the Montessori method which is now widely used in early childhood education. -
NAEYC is founded 1926
The National Association for the Education of Young Children is founded. Today it has over 100,000 members and 400 affiliates. -
Civil Rights Act of 1964
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 included a provision that protects rights of individuals to public facilities, including public education. This made a huge impact, but providing everyone the opportunity to utilie public education. -
NAFCC is Founded (1982)
The National Association For Family Child Care is established. The mission of NAFCC is to promote quality childcare by strengthening the profession of family child care. -
Child Care and Development Grant
The Child Care And Development Block Grant is the main source of U.S. federal funding for child care for low-income working families and funds to improve child care quality. 1.8 million children receive money from this grant monthly. -
No Child Left Behind
The No Child Left Behind Act comes into place in 2001. President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001, which supports the standards-based education reform. It is supportive based on the idea that setting high standards and establishing milestones and goals can help improve the education of all individuals. -
Preschool for all Initiative (2013)
In 2013, President Obama called upon congress to expand the access of high quality early childhood education for all children. His initiative is called the Preschool For All Initiative. "I propose working with states to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America. ... Let's do what works, and make sure none of our children start the race of life already behind. Let's give our kids that chance." - President Barack Obama
