This essential, informative read provides an accessible introduction to the history of early childhood education. Firmly grounded in current policy, the text features a series of imagined 'conversations' with key figures and pioneers, in which the authors exemplify various philosophical positions in early childhood. This brand new edition includes revised and updated material, as well as showing how early childhood policy has changed, yet how many issues from history are still concerns for early childhood educators today. The widely-respected authors emphasise the role of history and philosophy in current early childhood practices. The book is useful for a range of students of Early Childhood Education or History of Education, from first year undergraduates to PhD students. It will also be incredibly valuable to Early Years trainee teachers, practitioners and policymakers.