Development of the Early Childhood Education Theory and Practice in Poland in the 19th and 20th Centuries

Abstract

The development of preschool education is a process of transition from the practical experience to much more scientific education of a small child. Its origins as a sub-discipline of education are found in the 70s of the twentieth century. Still, this beginning is preceded by the considerable achievements of many generations of education theorists and practitioners. It is only a part of the process that is still ongoing. However, the women’s contribution to this process is hardly emphasized, and yet they have contributed to the development of native thought, practice and foundations of the early childhood education theory. The purpose of this article is to show the specific contribution of women, who are directly and indirectly involved in the young child education, as well as development and improvement of the early education theory bases – preschool education.