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In 1856 the first kindergarten class in the United Stated was founded by Margarethe Schurz. She taught the class in her language which was German. She was inspired by Friedrich Froebel, who open the first kindergarten in Blankenburg, Germany. Froebel based his kindergarten class on the belief that childhood is valid in itself, and it is not just a preparation for adulthood. He believed kids could learn from creative play, observing, singing, dancing, healthy activities, and nature.

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Elizabeth Peabody opened the first English - language kindergarten in the United States in Boston in 1860. She was so impressed with the first ever kindergarten opened in the United States by Margarethe Schurz, that she wanted to open her own that was taught in English instead of German.

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Maria Montessori was born on August 31st, 1870. She was an Italian physician and educator that was best known for her philosophy of education and her writing on scientific pedagogy. She created what is known as the Montessori Theory/Montessori Method of Education, which is an education approach that emphasizes individualized instruction and self-paced learning. It's based on the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of learning on their own based on their own curiosity and explorations. We use the Montessori Method all over the U.S. today, and there are Montessori schools dedicated to teaching children based on the Montessori Method.

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Jean Piaget was born on August 9, 1896. He was a Swiss psychologist known for his work on child development. He created Piaget's theory which indicated that cognitive development was determined by the ages and stages of children. He believed both mental and physical activities are important for cognitive development. He has had a great influence in modern early childhood education not just in the United States, but all over the world. He helped create a constructivists approach to early childhood education and worked to match the educational levels to the cognitive stages.

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The Head Start Movement was created as a part of the War on Poverty to help the children in America that are born into poverty. Head Start is a preschool program for children ages 3-5 that provides comprehensive services to the children and their families. It started off as an eight week demonstration project and has now developed into full day/year services including many program options. It is in all 50 states as well as The District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and all U.S. Territories, and has successfully served over 30 million children.