This paper presents a historical overview of the development of early and preschool education in the Republic of Croatia. Its development was influenced by modernization changes in society, i.e. the emergence of industrial society in Europe and also in the Republic of Croatia. The inclusion of women in the labor industry as a labor force required the employment of both parents. There was a need for institutionalized care for children. The first institutions for children of early and preschool age opened in Croatian areas became children's playgrounds, and the first such institution was opened in 1869 in Zagreb. After that, institutions were opened in other Croatian regions. At the same time, Croatian pedagogues begin to publish works on open institutions for preschool children. The course for the education of entertainment teachers opens in 1880/81. school year and the paper shows the professional development of educators from the beginning of preschool institutional early and preschool upbringing and education until today. Through legal regulations, the educator developed desirable qualities in working with children. The kindergarten health manager, as an educator and health promoter, transfers knowledge from medical sciences to educators and the wider community. The paper also presents an overview of the development of preschool education in the first private kindergarten in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County "Pčelice-Škrljevo".