-
John Locke
English philosopher, considered the founder of educational
philosophy, who postulated that children are
born with a tabula rasa, or clean slate, on which all
experiences are written -
Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi
How Gertrude Teaches Her Children, by Pestalozzi,
emphasizes home education. -
Friedrich Wilhelm Froebel
Education of Man, by Froebel, describes the fi rst system
of kindergarten education as a “child’s garden,”
with activities known as “gifts from God.” -
Susan Isaacs
Susan Isaacs publishes The Nursery Years, which contradicts
the more scientific psychological view of
behavior shaping and emphasizes the child’s viewpoint
and the value of play -
Erik Erikson
Childhood and Society, which details Erikson’s Eight
Stages of Man, is published, thus adding a psychoanalytic
influence to early childhood education -
Department of Education
The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is
changed to that of Health and Human Services, and a
separate Department of Education is established. -
"Right from the Start"
The National Association of State Boards of Education
issues Right from the Start, a report that calls for a
new vision of early childhood education with the
establishment of separate public school early childhood
units. -
"Stand for Children"
The first “Stand For Children” demonstration is held
in Washington, DC, drawing 200,000 participants.
Rethinking the Brain, published by the Family and
Work Institute, summarizes the new research on children’s
brain development, shows the decisive impact
of early experiences, and considers policy and program
implications of these findings. -
"No Child Left Behind"
In the U.S., the “Leave No Child Behind” legislation is
passed. -
"Preschool for All"
“Preschool for All” initiatives have been passed in several
states, making a preschool experience a reality for
four-year-olds.
