This course introduces students to the historical, theoretical and philosophical antecedents of the early childhood education profession. An examination of values and practices related to the nurturing and education of young children from ancient times to the present, including a study of the key philosophers, the history of childhood, and views of children through the centuries, are compared to the values and practices found today in North America and throughout the world. Students articulate an informed philosophy of early childhood education as a concrete outcome of this course.