Rachel And Margaret Mcmillan, Maria Montessori And Susan Isaacs Have Had A Major Impact On Contemporary Early Years Curriculum Theory And Practice. This Book Introduces Students And Practitioners To The Ideas, Philosophies And Writings Of These Key Early Thinkers In Early Childhood Education And Show How They Relate To Quality Early Years Provision Today. The Book Explores The Influences That Shaped The Ideas, Values And Beliefs Of Each Pioneer And Clearly Demonstrates How They Have Each Contributed To Our Knowledge Of Young Children's Learning And Development. It Then Examines These In The Context Of Current U.k. Policy To Highlight The Key Ideas That Practitioners Should Consider When Reflecting On Their Own Practice. -- Provided By Publisher. The Early Influences -- From Plato To Froebel -- A History Of Connections In Early Childhood Education: Four Key Women Pioneers, Their Roots And Legacies -- Rachel And Margaret Mcmillan -- Maria Montessori -- Susan Isaacs -- The Pioneers' Legacies To Uk And International Policy On Early Childhood Education. Patricia Giardiello. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 139-155) And Index.