Early childhood development is a form of cognitive conditioning for enhancing a child's maturity and social capabilities. With the definition of early childhood development now clear, it is easier to understand its origins. Discovering the real meaning of early childhood development ultimately defines its true purpose, which is to jumpstart a child's individuality and prepare her for the future. .
As with any curriculum being developed for children, much preparation must be taken into consideration. When the philosophical foundations were set by John Amos Comenius, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Friedrich Froebel took these the embodied principles and developed the first early childhood program called the Kindergarten program, which was widely adopted in both Europe and abroad (Morgan, 1999). This was the first revolutionary step in cultivating a child's early development. This also set an example for generations to come on effective methods of developing a child's interest. But, why is it so important to start the development process of a child at a young age? The use of Kindergarten programs are still being used today, but the question on how imperative this program is still lingers. Starting the development of a child early was the beacon of future success and Friedrich Froebel knew this. .
His kindergarten program, originally named Play and Activity Institute, was cultivated in 1840 to execute three essential elements. One, using toys to for secondary innovative play. Two, give the children health exercise by using games and dances. Lastly, observed and nurtured plants in a garden to stimulate cognizance of the natural world and its wonders to a child (Smith, 1997). Froebel saw and accomplish something wonderful by creating an innovative way to stimulate a child's thought process. He identified what elements a child needed to do in order to open the floodgates of learning by presenting fun, yet meaningful activities.