Despite claims about the significance of early childhood education in improving later outcomes in an individual's life, this stage of development has not received sufficient attention by education systems across the world. Until recently, early education or preschool education did not come under the purview of the formal education system in most…

Many education critics, teachers, and parents have lamented the recent poor achievement scores of Japanese school-age children, and have sought the reasons for the decline. Some critics, including the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology, blame the practice known as yutori-kyoiku (literally translated as…

Traces the development and influence of Frobel's mathematics program for kindergarten-aged children. (JB)

Traces development of the Association for Childhood Education International from its founding in 1892 to the present, emphasizing historical events, social trends, and educational philosophies which have influenced its organizational endeavors. Examines current social problems and their influences on the educational and administrative direction of…

Describes the changes in early childhood education from the 1960s to the 1980s, discussing the current early childhood program.

Early childhood educators may well debate the challenges presented by this historical review of major goals toward which kindergartens in America have been directed. (Editor)

Briefly reviews the history of the first kindergarten system in the United States on the occasion of the transformation of the Des Peres School in St. Louis, Missouri, into a museum and library. The transformed facility contains a restored kindergarten classroom, the Susan E. Blow museum, local historical and educational archives, and meeting…

Describes one educator's research journey to Friedrich Froebel's homeland of Germany to study the beginnings of the early childhood profession and to celebrate Froebel's important contributions. Offers descriptions of early Froebel schools and Froebel artifacts to illustrate his educational philosophy and practice. (KB)

Examines early influences of educator Lucy Wheelock's life, her contributions to the kindergarten movement, and her legacy to early childhood educators today. Discusses her early education, preparation as a kindergarten teacher, and her efforts to spread the "gospel of Froebel." Maintains that Wheelock's legacy is her belief in the…