This paper examines the connection between early childhood education and feminist thinking. It presents a brief overview of feminist theory, feminist epistemology, and theories and models of early childhood education. The overview lays the groundwork for the essay's main philosophical argument: feminism's emphasis on care, concern, and connection (referred to as "love") can make a significant and positive contribution to the field of early childhood education. The paper advocates that early childhood curriculum be based on love and care, and suggests that, at least to a certain extent, teachers should feel, think, and act like parents. Although the paper discusses the similarities between teaching and mothering, it does not argue that teachers act as mother substitutes. Contains 47 references. (AS)