Deborah Shine Valentine - Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia

Deborah Shine Valentine

Deborah Shine Valentine is assistant professor of Early Childhood Education at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia. She received a PhD in Childhood Studies from Rutgers-Camden (2013). She is currently working on a book manuscript that explores the history of playgrounds, race and early childhood education in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Philadelphia.

Playgrounds

Beginning in the late nineteenth century, children’s play became an important concern of urban reformers, who regarded playgrounds as essential components in shaping behavior and ordering urban space. Many public and semipublic playgrounds established as a result of their efforts became permanent features of the Philadelphia landscape, and were (and remain) deeply valued by residents and city ...