Educational programs for young children emerged reasonably early in the history of the United States of America. The movements of Child-Centered Education, the Nursery School, the Project Method, Curriculum Reform, and contemporary research have all influenced mathematics in early childhood education. The Froebelian kindergarten and the Montessori…

Discusses trends in early childhood education rooted in much older traditions, such as the project approach and Reggio Emilia approach, as well as the history of Head Start, and other changes in early childhood programs and services. Considers the need for practitioners to understand the theoretical and ideological foundations of pedagogical…

Changes in kindergarten education in the United States from its inception to the present and reasons for the historical changes are explored. Froebel's approach to kindergarten education is described and the introduction of kindergarten programs in the United States by various sponsors such as the Women's Temperance Union, churches, and settlement…

Whereas in the past innovations in the education of younger children have led to changes in the education of older children, the direction of influence now appears to have changed. The influence on the kindergarten by the primary grades seems to be changing kindergarten practice. In reconstituting the kindergarten to make it more responsive to the…

This paper delineates conceptions of early childhood programs from the 18th through the 20th centuries, and reveals how the programs changed as the concept of what constitutes knowledge changed. Discussion begins with reading instruction and hornbooks in Colonial America, and national language learning in the knitting school of Jean Frederick…

After introductory remarks on the magnitude of changes that have taken place in early childhood education within the last 30 years, discussion focuses on early childhood research related to cognitive learning, social learning, and literacy. Social learning in kindergarten is discussed in terms of research findings on the effects of positive social…

The present discussion attempts to relate current changes in kindergarten education in China to contemporary political, social, and intellectual reforms. Kindergarten education in China has always reflected the country's social policy as well as its view of the nature of childhood. Currently, in China, more kindergartens exist under more varied…

In this paper the elusive, integrative and common elements that unify the large and diverse field of early childhood education are sought. Present diversity among educators of young children is viewed against the historical background of variety in the implementation of kindergartens and nursery schools in the United States. The effects of federal…

Presents a profile of Chinese kindergarten. Problems discussed are related to: (1) provision of kindergarten education; (2) the only child; (3) teacher training; (4) the knowledge basis of kindergarten education; and (5) reform of the kindergarten curriculum. (Author/BB)

Defines and discusses professionalism, and discusses the certification, credentialing, and preparation of early childhood teachers in light of recent research on these topics and the educational reform movement. Argues that the integration of new knowledge emerging from studies of educational practice and child development can help raise levels of…

Article described new programs in preservice teacher education and inservice programs designed to usher in open education. (Editor/RK)

Early childhood (ECE) programs should reflect the diversity of the populations and cultures for which they are designed. For example, there are varieties of support for early childhood education in the United States, where a basic distinction is made between programs for education and programs for child care. While some may believe that the…

Described are past and present changes in the preparation of kindergarten teachers in China, where kindergarten attendance is not compulsory and kindergarten programs are not universally available. Discussion focuses on (1) historical developments in, and current status of, Chinese kindergartens; (2) preparation of early childhood personnel,…