The Educator’s Role in Lane’s Early Childhood Education Theory

The purpose of this study is to elucidate Lane’s theory of early childhood education and the role of educators in it. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, the background of Lane’s early childhood education theory was investigated. Observations were made upon the essence of his early childhood education theory, early childhood view, educational purpose, and educational method. Based on this, the role of the educator was suggested. The principal research method was literature study. The main analysis and discussion were focused on Lane’s book, ‘Talks to Parents and Teachers.’ According to the study, the role of the educator in Lane’s early childhood education theory is to be a helper for infants who are self-educational beings, supporters who understand and encourage children, and creators of an educational atmosphere. In conclusion, Lane’s argument on early childhood education and the role of educators is persuasive in that it comes from practical experience in the educational field, and it is not mere conveyance of empty educational theories or educational ideologies. In this regard, it has great implications for early childhood education in Korea.