This thesis will present a historical overview of the development of early institutional education of preschool children from the appearance of the first institutions to the present day. Institutions for the upbringing and education of young children, before they go to school, began to appear at the end of the 19th century in Bavaria and France, and then in the rest of the world. This paper examines the historical and social circumstances that led to the establishment of such institutions. Special emphasis is placed on the development of this area in the Croatian territories, from the first play schools (kindergartens), through the period of socialism to institutions for early education in modern Croatia. The development of program and legal regulations in the educational field from the appearance of the first program guidelines for the work of preschool institutions to the modern curriculum will be described in particular, providing an overview of the goals of the upbringing and education of male children that changed during the development phases of curriculum design. The basic pedagogical directions and concepts that served as the basis for the creation of preschool programs will be touched upon, and contain different approaches to the child, his learning and overall educational work. The important role of teacher education and the development of professional training throughout history will also be highlighted. The paper will conclude with an insight into the future of development of the institutional early and preschool education, based on past experiences and reforms in that area that followed socio-political trends and responded to the demands of each particular time