"Examine the evolution of developmentally appropriate practice with this biographical history of early childhood education. This book explores the theory's progression--from its beginnings in writings of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century philosophers, its experimental implementation by eighteenth- and nineteenth-century practitioners, and its scientific grounding in contemporary theory and research--and includes biographical sketches and perspectives of eleven philosophical, pedagogical, and theoretical figures--the giants--in this evolution.David Elkind, PhD, is the best-selling author of more than twenty books and a well-known early childhood expert who has appeared on shows including Today Show, CBS Morning News, 20/20, Dateline, Donahue, and Oprah"--