History of Early Childhood Timeline

By rg1985
  • Period: Oct 21, 1483 to

    History of Early Childhood Timeline

  • Oct 21, 1524

    Foundation of Early Childhood Education

    Martin Luther argued for public support of educcation for all children in his Letter to the Mayors and Aldermen of All the Cities of Germany in Behalf of Chiristian Schools. (Morrison, 2014, p. 415) His idea of building schools for educating kids to read in their native languages still influences today's literacy for all philosophy.

  • First Picture Book for Children

    The book The Great Didactic was written by John Comenius, who advocated universal education and believed that education should happen early in one's life so that it can help determine his/her schools and life success. He also emphasized the importance of sensory experiences in early education.

  • Theory of Blank Tablet

    John Locke compared children's mind as a blank tablet, by which he meant that environment and experience literally form the mind. Every kid starts from Day one is with the same capacity. However, some kids may get used to the environment faster than others.

  • Child-Centered Learning Theory

    John Dewey emphasizes children and their interests rather than subject matter. His theory of child-centered education influenced greatly on education studies in the past and today. His five basic principles are still very useful in today's classrooms. In 1896, he started the Laboratory school at the University of Chicago, based on his child-centered learning theory.

  • Constructivist Learning Theory

    Jean Piaget's study focused on the intellectual or cognitive development of children. Piaget's theory of cognitive development believed that children cannot be given information. Instead, they construct their understanding through experiences.

  • First Montessori Preschool Started in Rome

    Maria Montessori believed that each child has a unique individual pattern that determines her personality, temperament, skills and abilities. This pattern, she believed is revealed only during the process of development. Therefore, it is of great importance to build a properly prepared environment for kids to develop. The first Montessori Preschool started in Rome was based on this philosophy.

  • Education as National Defense

    1945-Present
    Since the end of WWII in 1945, the United States and the Soviet Union had been in a competition consisting of a nuclear arms race. After the Soviet Union launched Sputnick in 1957, the US realized that the best national defense is good education and the Congress passed the National Defense Education Act in 1958.

  • No Child Left Behind Act

    2001 - Present
    The No Child Left Behind Act continues the standards movement established by the National Defense Education Act and emphasizes accountability through testing. (Morrison, 2014, p. 84) It has been a controversial act as some people think it relies too much on standards.