The Time Line of Early Childhood Edcuation by Alyssa L Staley

1898

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 17:26:39 UTC

175-day nurseries operating throughout the country consolidated into the National Federation of Day Nurseries.

1903

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 17:36:31 UTC

In New York, a committee of Black women opened the first day nursery for Black children, the Hope Day Nursery.

1930's

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 17:39:29 UTC

The Great Depression led to federal programs such as Works Progress Administration to fund emergency nursery schools

1941

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 17:43:11 UTC

The Lanham Act. The only time in America's history of universal childcare. WWII caused the men to be away at war leaving the women to work jobs and needing affordable childcare options.

1950's

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 17:51:58 UTC

The use of day nurseries started declining as WWII came to an end. Mothers preferred being stay at home moms.

1965

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 18:01:14 UTC

A change starts. Head start becomes available as a summer program that provides free preschool to low-income families. After summer turned into a 9 month program.

1970's

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 18:06:28 UTC

The push for universal childcare gets denied. Comprehensive Child Development Act proposing universal childcare, gets vetoed by President Nixon.

1980's

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 18:10:52 UTC

Childcare was at a high demand with more households needing both parents to work. Most centers became profit bases.

1990's

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 18:14:25 UTC

At this point childcare is the normal. States start setting policies and regulations to keep centers safe. Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to assist families with low income

2000-2020

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 18:17:22 UTC

Increased research done on the importance of early childhood education and brain development. Universal preschool debates from States such as New York.

2020's

astaley19 — 2025-09-01 18:19:34 UTC

Covid-19 came and changed up childcare. Start of the childcare pandemic. Many teachers left the field. Some grants were given out.