Introduction. The article presents the results of the theoretical retrospective analysis of the problem of developing a methodology for the humanitarian research of childhood in the scientific school of the Pedagogical Institute of Preschool Education (1918-1925) and the Department of Preschool Pedagogy of the Herzen State Pedagogical University. The purpose of the study is to analyze and summarize the scientific and theoretical approaches that formed the basis of modern methodology of humanitarian research of pre-school childhood.
The key ideas of the study was considering child as a subject focused on the adult world, and the socialization culture of the preschool child on the basis of the unity of the emotional-sensual world, cognition and activity.
Results. Article provides description and generalization of scientific and theoretical approaches, which formed the basis of preschool pedagogy as a branch of pedagogical science and methods of preschool education, developed by the Herzen State Pedagogical University. Approaches to the renewal of preschool education are presented taking into account modern knowledge about the phenomenon of childhood.
Conclusion. The concept of methodology of the humanitarian study of modern childhood makes it possible to study childhood and design interaction with the child, focused on its subject development.