When and why was the first kindergarten established, and how has institutional early childhood education developed up to the present day? How did the pedagogical concepts commonly used today evolve? This book vividly presents the history of childcare facilities and kindergartens from their beginnings in the 18th century to the present, illustrated with numerous images and examples. Here, you will find comprehensive information on the historical development from children's care institutions and kindergartens to parent-initiated daycare centers, traditional and new pedagogical concepts (Froebel, Montessori, and Waldorf education, intercultural education), new developments in educator training and early childhood education programs at universities, as well as current educational policy discussions.