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 legislation in increasing the varied purposes of early childhood programs are discussed. It is determined that kinds of services, clients served, program purposes and underlying educational ideas do not provide a unifying theme for the field of early childhood education. In conclusion, three claims are made: 1) that individual practitioners become familiar with a small area of the field and recognize that their insight contributes to the field as a whole; 2) that future developments will indicate which elements of the present diversity are most beneficial; and 3) that the field is unified because early childhood educators as a group hold and use a common belief system with shared values, definitions, concepts and slogans. (RH)