This document provides a historical overview of influences on parent education and involvement from the 17th century to present day. It describes the views and works of important early thinkers like Comenius, Locke, Rousseau, and Pestalozzi who emphasized the importance of early childhood education and parental involvement. It then outlines key developments in parent education and policies promoting family involvement from the early 20th century through different decades up to the 21st century, including the growth of organizations like the PTA and head start and changes in views around parenting.