Includes bibliographical references.

This text provides an international study of critical educational leaders who established the foundation for early childhood education across continents in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It places each pioneer within the time and culture in which they lived to help the reader understand how theories and knowledge about early years education and care have evolved over time. This book traces key themes such as play, child-initiated learning, working with parents, scaffolding children's learning and the environment, enabling students to reflect on the differences and similarities between the pioneers and understand their contribution to practice today.

Specialized.