Eva Page - Early Childhood Education Timeline By evapage 1801 1801 - Johann Pestalozzi established what is considered to be the first school to 1837 1837 - Children's Garden (Kindergarten) started in Germany by Friedrich Froebel. 1873 1873 - First public school kindergarten started in St. Louis 1969 1969 - The first Kindercare center is opened. 1985 1985 - San Francisco becomes the first large city to require developers to set aside space of funds for child care space. 1996 1996 - Provider Appreciation Day first celebrated.