Pre-school Education in Poland in the 20th Century as a Forgotten and Underestimated Source of Contemporary Trends and Pedagogical Inspirations

The aim of the article is to show the stages of the development of pre-school education in Poland in the 20th century, which set the directions for further changes in the pre-school area. The article was prepared on the basis of available historical sources in the form of specialist press, guides, and methodological manuals, as well as analysis of the literature on the subject. The work identifies and distinguishes innovative views and methods in the field of former pre-school education, which may constitute a form of contemporary pedagogical inspiration. The aim of this article consciously combines two important aspects, i.e., acquiring historical knowledge and its modern applications. The text discusses the history of pre-school education in Poland in the 20th century and shows its reminiscences in contemporary social and educational space. The text is an attempt to show the importance of pre-school education in the modern system, and drawing the reader’s attention to the achievements of Polish preschool education in the context of changes and needs of society in the area of care for pre-school children. The article is not an exhaustive study, but rather a contribution to considerations in this area.