Early childhood education is fundamental to a child's later educational achievements and future success. The principles and practices of modern early childhood education have their origins in the past. While the educators who built the field have been the subject of many detailed studies, previous works do not provide adequate coverage of primary and secondary sources, multicultural educators, or more recent leaders in the discipline. This reference book provides biographies and annotated bibliographies of more than 30 pioneers in early childhood education from Johann Amos Comenius (1592-1670) and John Locke (1632-1704), to Maria Montessori (1870-1952), Leland B. Jacobs (1907-1992), and Lillian Weber (1917-1994). Special attention is given to multicultural educators, including Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954) and her work with The National Association of Colored Women. Biographies are arranged alphabetically, and each is followed by annotated bibliographies of primary and secondary sources.



An introductory essay briefly discusses the history of early childhood education from the 17th century to the present. The following biographies are arranged alphabetically, and each includes a brief summary of the subjects contributions to the field of early childhood education. Each biographical sketch is followed by annotated bibliography of primary and secondary sources, including obituaries, articles, dissertations, and books. Works were selected because they represent the most interesting and informative sources by and about the educators. The volume closes with a chronological listing of the pioneers and a selected bibliography of general works on early childhood education.