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_.