Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory: As a Tool for Promoting Early Childhood Education in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper discusses Erikson’s psychosocial theory and the implications for promoting early childhood education in Nigeria.  The Federal Government of Nigeria, based on its concern for the education for Nigeria children, has given recognition in the National Policy on Education for the provision of early childhood education in the country.  The paper examines the concepts of education and early childhood education.  Even though, different psychologist authorities/scholars in psychology have propounded theories in the stages of early childhood development and its significance to learning.  Based on this, the first four stages of Erikson’s psychosocial theory of early childhood have been examined. The emphasis of the paper is to the first four stages of early childhood development because early childhood education centred and captured on the four stages of human development. The implications of the four stages in promoting early care and education has also been discussed.  Promoting early childhood education will lay a solid foundation for the children.  Therefore, conclusion and recommendations have been made.