Training of educational specialists for preschool children in Lithuania in the 3rd–4th decade of the 20th century

Abstract

The article analyses the process of training of educational specialists for preschool children in Lithuania in the 3rd and 4th decade of the 20th century. The emergence of the new profession in Lithuania was determined by the needs of the ever-modernising society and new relations between people. The new sociopolitical and socioeconomic conditions required new types of educational workers who would be able to take care of the children effectively. To that end, a whole new system aimed specifically at the preparation of these new specialists was created. The article explores who stood as the forerunners of the early childhood pedagogy in Lithuania and how they were able to establish this system. The latter is also analysed in the light of the disciplines which were taught to kindergarten teachers and educational workers in general. Finally, the control mechanism which was implemented by the state is presented.