This article considers the relevance of Susan Isaacs' practice and research for twenty-first century early childhood education, reflected in two studies conducted discretely nearly a century apart that theorize young children's constructions of knowledge: Isaacs' Malting House School study and the 'Young Children Are Researchers' study. The…

This article examines the life of Friedrich Froebel, the founder of the kindergarten in the 1840s. It describes how the kindergarten and its impact in Germany and the United States. It spread at the international level of education because German kindergarten teachers relocated it to other countries when it was banned in Germany. In the years from…

Educational pioneers believed that the early childhood curriculum was inappropriate for most of the children. It needed to be modified to meet each child's maturing needs, abilities, and interests. The pioneers advocated that education should be more hands-on and assist children to function successfully in society. They recommended the initiation…

One of the critical challenges that faces societies today is how to educate children and young people to cope with the ever demanding contexts in which they live. This education must include the relationships and support that facilitate socio-emotional development. This writing explores the work of Pestalozzi, a pioneering pedagogue, who, over two…

Young children are able to read before they experience formal reading instruction. They have unique backgrounds, experiences, and capabilities. As a result, young children need to have reading and writing experiences that are of interest to them and are developmentally appropriate for them, which also include the primary grades. This review…

During the last century, early childhood curriculum (ECC) in China has undergone a series of monumental transformations, shaped by the interaction between local cultural and global forces. In this case study, we critically analyse three major waves of ECC reform in China, with a particular emphasis on the social and cultural forces that have…

This paper introduces the Special Issue of "Early Child Development and Care" focused on "Early Childhood Pedagogy." It opens by considering past and present discourses concerning early childhood pedagogy, and focus is given to established philosophical underpinnings in the field and their translation to contemporary guidance,…

Increasing interest in the provision of early childhood education and care services as a social investment strategy has been accompanied by worldwide concerns to identify appropriate pedagogical practices for working with young children. Here, we trace the developing interest in child-centred approaches, before considering whether there can be…

Recounts efforts made between 1801 and 1806 by French physician Itard to educate Victor, a boy found living in the wild in Aveyron. Explains how Itard's work with Victor, which met with limited success, led to the establishment of a school for educating clinical idiots. Describes procedures developed by Itard that are basic to the current…

Froebel's major projects at Keilhau and Blankenburg were radically dissimilar. A mistaken conflation of the two emerged in Britain that was less suited to public child welfare than to private education, and this contributed to an apartheid between early child care and child education, whereas Germany developed the Blankenburg project with an…

Describes the preschool education policies and practices in Turkey. Summarizes the history, organization, educational programs, teacher training programs, and demographics of children attending preschool educational institutions. Outlines research and other projects to extend preschool education opportunities. Discusses the problems involved in…

Presents a historical overview of preschool education in Singapore. Focuses on the custodial services of the creches organized through the social-welfare department and on the postwar development of kindergartens as a community service offered through the Ministry of Education and child-care centers under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of…

Utilizing a historical and societal perspective, this essay explores the reasons why women become primary school teachers and the ways in which societal norms, educational theories, educational practice have influenced the role of the female primary teacher. (MDM)

Presents the historical development of early childhood education in the Netherlands, including the dilemma of reconciling strongly child-centered kindergarten curricula with adequate preparation for primary school. Describes the issues presented by immigrant children and argues that acceptance of cultural diversity, educating the individual within…