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John Amos Comenius
Comenius was considered the "Father of Modern Education." It was his belief that children learned through playing and not through the same means as adults. He also published the first children's picture book, "The World Illustrated," which demonstrated everyday activities. At one point this was the most used educational book for children. -
Robert Owen
(1771-1858)
Robert Owen is important to ECE because he believed that a society/environment can shape a child's behaviors, achievements, and beliefs. Owen found that infant programs were beneficial, and thought that early childhood education could reform society. Owen went on to open his own school for the children of his employees, who were 18 months to 10 years of age (this was later used as groundwork for the first opening of an infant school in London is 1818). -
The American School for the Deaf (ASD)
ASD was founded as the first, and now oldest, school for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut. The school was founded by Laurent Clerc, Thomas Gallaudet, and Dr. Mason Cogswell and focused on primary and secondary education. ASD was the first school for the Deaf to receive government funding. I thought this was important to include education event because it was the first institution to focus on those who have different abilities. -
Montessori
Montessori schools were created by Maria Montessori in Rome, Italy where she opened the first school, The Children's House, in a low-income area. Her method emphasized children working independently of a teacher's guidance (the room was set up with children in mind, smaller tables/chairs, room to move around), and put the teacher in more of a "director" roll. -
The Civil Rights Act
This was a piece of legislation that prohibited discrimination (race, national origin, color) in regards to education that received federal funding. This was expanded upon wth an amendment in 1972, Title IX. Title IX is a law that prohibits the discrimination of women in education and activities funded by the government. -
The Economic Opportunity Act
This legislation focused on closing the poverty gap in regards to education, specifically titled "The War on Poverty," by President Johnson. This was the beginning of Head Start, in 1965, and is was later renamed, in 1981, as the Head Start Act. Head start programs education, health, and nutrition services to low-income families. -
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Formally the Education of All Handicapped Children Act (1975). This legislation makes it mandatory that classrooms are accessible to all children (regardless of physical abilities). This act also blends early childhood education with early childhood special education. -
No Child Left Behind
Proposed by President George W. Bush, this legislation wanted to standardize education across the U.S. for schools that received federal funding. This specifically provides funding for schools that received high test scores. There are many accusations against No Child Left Behind because people feel that standardized testing isn't truly representative of a child's abilities.
