CHAPTER 1 – THE HISTORY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
CHAPTER 1 – THE HISTORY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
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Learning Objective: Examine historical and theoretical frameworks as they apply to current early childhood practices. |
NAEYC STANDARDS
The following NAEYC Standard for Early Childhood Professional Preparation are addressed in this chapter:
Standard 1: Promoting child development and learning
Standard 2: Building family and community relationships
Standard 6: Becoming a professional
PENNSYLVANIA EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR COMPETENCIES
The following competencies are addressed in this chapter:
Child Growth and Development
Families, Schools, and Community Collaboration and Development
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Curriculum and Learning Experiences
Professionalism and Leadership
Communication
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN (NAEYC) CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT (MAY 2011)
The following elements of the code are touched upon in this chapter:
Section I: Ethical Responsibilities to Children
Ideals: – I-1.1, I-1.2, I-1.5, I-1.8, I-1.9
Principles: P-1.1, P-1.2, P-1.7, P-1.11
Section II: Ethical Responsibilities to Families
Ideals: I-2.1, I-2.2, I-2.4, I-2.7, I-2.8, I-2.9
Principles: P-2.2, P-2.3
Section IV: Ethical Responsibilities to Community and Society
Ideals: I:4.1 (individual), I-4.6, I-4.7, I-4.8
Quotable
“History is a kind of introduction to more interesting people than we can possibly meet in our restricted lives; let us not neglect the opportunity.”
– Dexter Perkins
PREVIEW
This chapter covers the historical underpinnings of the field of Early Childhood Education. You will discover the various influences that have been used as principles that have shaped current practices in early childhood settings.
As you begin your journey exploring the field that studies young children, you will come across several terms that are commonly used. While they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences that should be clarified at the start:
Early Childhood: the stage of development from birth to age 8.
Child Development: the ways a child develops over time.
Early Childhood Education: the unique ways young children “learn” and the ways they are “taught.” Part of the larger field of “education.”
Early Care and Education: A blend of the care young children need as well as the way they are “educated.”
In this text, we will use them interchangeably to mean the many ways children develop blended with their unique care and educational needs.
HISTORY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Childhood from a Historical Perspective
The field of Early Childhood Education has a rich history. As you will soon discover, history has not only provided us with a strong foundation, it has shaped our beliefs, instilled an appreciation for children, and it has provided us with a context that guides our current practices.
It is hard to imagine but children were not always considered valued members of society. You might say, children were thought to be second-class citizens. In the past, many believed that