The term autonomy has multiple meanings based on diversity in theoretical views in current educational literature. Examples are given of multiple meanings of autonomy, and comparisons are made to the Piagetian view of autonomy as self-regulation implying separateness within community. A case is made for the relevance of autonomy as an educational aim. Implications are drawn for autonomy as an aim for early childhood teacher education based on a Piagetian view of autonomy.