The cognitive process of child development and learning has influenced theorists such as Piaget, Vygtosky, Montessori, Bruner and Dewey to develop theories of learning that highlight how the cognitive operation of learning and how it is best achieved. The work of these theorists has become the foundation for much research and insights into how children develop on their journey to learning. To understand how and when children begin to learn, it is important to understand why we value the learning process, as Peller says. (1946) states: “The function of early education is to initiate, support and accelerate the developmental processes, which lead from the child to adulthood.” It is also important to consider the environment in which learning occurs. This was reflected in the work of theorists such as Maslow and Montessori. Maslow observed a hierarchy of needs; within this hierarchy he observed that by attempting to understand children's needs, more children were able to reach their full learning potential. According to him only when basic physiological needs such as food and water are satisfied, then cognitive development can occur and higher needs which he classifies as "self-realization", such as remembering, understanding and solving problems, can then be achieved. Although Maslow documented this Hierarchy of Needs in 1934, it is fair to note that his principles are still applied to modern education today. For example, government legislation now provides free school meals for disadvantaged children on income support, allowing these basic physiological needs such as food and water to be met, highlighting the direct relationship between children's needs and their learning. This was noted… halfway through a submission… made to SENCOs, Special Schools or Speech Therapists to help children before their cognitive development is further hindered. To conclude, the contrasting but significant work of these theorists illustrates how learning theories developed over a century ago are still very influential in attitudes toward early childhood education. While there may be differences of opinion among theorists as to which learning method is most effective, many of the insights provided by Piaget and Vygotsky all have substantial elements of reasoning. The work of Piaget, Vygotsky, Montessori, Dewey, and Bruner still shapes classroom practice around the world today, have influenced government legislation in the modern world, and will continue to have significance in studies of child cognitive development for years to come.