Originally published in 1931, the study reported in this book was undertaken as part of the research programme of the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene. It represents a systematic inquiry into the social and emotional behaviour of pre-school children as observed from day to day in a nursery school. The study extended over a period of three years, and it concerned children between the ages of two and five years who were in attendance at the McGill University Nursery School and child laboratory. It can now be read and enjoyed in its historical context.

A history of policies and programmes for the education of three-to-five-year-olds in the USA. This book also traces efforts to make pre-school education a part of the American public school system and shows why these efforts have been rejected, despite evidence of pre-school benefit.

What is the unique mission of developmental psychology? How has it evolved historically? What are its current challenges? The chapters in this collection present the view that research, history and policy are essential and interlocking components of a mature developmental psychology. Patterns of human development differ markedly across historical epochs, cultures and social circumstances. Major societal changes examined by contributing authors - the advent of universal compulsory schooling, the adoption of a one-child policy in China, US policy shifts in healthcare, welfare and childcare - present 'natural experiments' in social design. Authors challenge the idea of a clear distinction between basic and applied developmental research. In sharp contrast with the view that science is value-neutral, developmental psychologists have from the outset pursued the betterment of children and families through educational, childcare and health initiatives. An historical perspective reveals the beneficial, if sometimes contentious, interplay between empirical research and social programs and policies.

Originally published in 1931, the study reported in this book was undertaken as part of the research programme of the Canadian National Committee for Mental Hygiene. It represents a systematic inquiry into the social and emotional behaviour of pre-school children as observed from day to day in a nursery school. The study extended over a period of three years, and it concerned children between the ages of two and five years who were in attendance at the McGill University Nursery School and child laboratory. It can now be read and enjoyed in its historical context.