Dr. Maria Montessori was a pioneer in early child education. Maria Montessori was born in Chiaravalle. Italy into a home of music, books and study. In her early teens she entered engineering school, then medical school. becoming the first woman Doctor of Medicines in Italy in 1896.

From observing young underprivileged patients Dr. Montessori determined that environment was a more important factor in their behaviour than previously believed . She set about designing learning materials and studying children as they used them. These materials , combined with a specially prepared environment and trained teachers, led to the Montessori Method of Education.

Unlike other educational philosophers, Dr. Maria Montessori developed an educational method to implement her philosophy. Her genius in scientific observation of children is an important reason for the enduring and widespread impact of her work. The two key components of the Montessori method are the prepared environment and the trained educator who prepares the environment as a nurturing place for the child, designed to meet the needs of self-construction. Montessori education is unique in that it is child-oriented, teacher-facilitated and allows the educator to treat each child as an individual.

Dr.Maria Montessori was also a devoted humanitarian; she was  nominated three-times for the Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy efforts toward a more peaceful humanity. She continued her observations throughout her life, widening and deepening her understanding until her death in 1952.