The history of education of the deaf in Canada is traced. Recent trends include: preschool home visiting programs, extension services for hearing-impaired children, vocational programs in existing schools, support programs in junior colleges, separate units for multihandicapped deaf children, and teacher training programs affiliated with a…

Certain economic theories can help explain the rise to prominence of parent participation preschools in the 1950s and help to make predictions about their future. Specifically, the long-wave cycle of economic behavior and its explanation of social systems and innovations can be useful. One popular approach is that of the Soviet economist Nikolai…

Citing as a central focus of the Chinese government since the People's Republic of China was established in 1949, this paper presents a brief sociopolitical and historical description of China in the twentieth century and suggests reasons for its lack of modern development and low educational attainment as of 1949. The importance of education as a…

Traces the wide-ranging activities of female African American educators from the 16th century to modern times. Highlights black women's efforts to establish schools, develop curriculum, organize literacy clubs, promote the Lyceum movement, investigate day care facilities, and establish graduate programs. Many black women's teaching careers began…

The evolution of children's playgrounds in the United States from the late 1800s to the present is discussed. This evolution was influenced by the development of kindergartens, nursery schools, public schools, and public parks. Essential elements in the building of developmentally appropriate playgrounds are outlined. (BB)

Examines the relationship between education and citizenship in the quest for a moral "new world order" in two Scottish communitarian villages established by social reformer Robert Owen in the early 1800s. Draws parallels to current debates, focusing on Owen's rhetoric about justice and equality while maintaining paternalistic authority…

This paper reviews the history of early childhood education in China between 1949 and 1990. After the Communist revolution in 1949, China's educational policy was modeled after the Soviet Union's. Preschool pedagogy emphasized conditioning children's behavior and providing a comfortable environment for children. The number of nurseries and…

Writing development in preschool children has only recently begun to receive attention; however, Russian researchers dealt with the subject in the 1920s and 30s. Arguing that writing was a fundamental assist to cognitive growth as well as a tool for communication, Lev Vygotsky believed that the preschool child was ready to be taught writing.…

Traces the contributions of Black Roman Catholic nuns to Black education in the United States since the early 1800s. Also shows that, despite declining membership, the three existing religious orders continue to be active in Black education and social change. (GC)

The experiences of Millie Almy, detailed in an oral history, tell the story of landmarks in nursery school education in the 1930s and 1940s. The issues of program quality, teacher qualifications and certification, and parent involvement that concerned program administrators then continue to be central today. (SLD)

Discusses the beginnings, the demise, and the present status of gardens in preschool or day care centers. Describes the nursery garden developed by Margaret McMillan. (BG)

Presents a short biography of Helen Heffernan, who is remembered for her years of service in the California State Department of Education, during which she developed educational programs that significantly influenced public education at every level. Heffernan developed programs for rural education, progressive education, kindergarten and preschool…

Traces the history of the infusion of rhythmic movement into preschool and elementary school music programs. Contrasts a progressive approach which taught that movement was essential in teaching music and a conservative view that rhythmic response was genetically determined and could not be developed through training. (DK)

The social history of the Free Kindergarten Union of the State of Victoria, Australia, from inception in 1908 to the year 1980 is recorded in this book. Growth of the union is described within the context of the World Wars, the Depression, and urbanization and industrialization. The story begins with volunteerism and philanthropy, and with four…

This paper reviews the contributions of the United States to the promotion of children's rights. In the 19th century, the United States created public schools to supplement family education. Societies to protect children were also established. Early in the 20th century, the government began a series of White House Conferences on Children and…