Timeline: History of Childhood Education

1893

Model Day Nursery in the Children’s Building

In 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago and then went on to found the National Federation of Day Nurseries, the first nationwide organization devoted to this issue

1912

General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the National Congress of Mothers

Many supported pensions for women, while other reformers argued they deserved public support. Pensions began to spread and organizations were created. Many states had these pension laws which addressed the needs of low-income mothers.

1912

U.S. Children’s Bureau (CB)

The Children's Bureau was established in the 1920s which conducted studies on children working in agriculture and industries. The CB worked to strengthen mother's pensions.

1933

Emergency Nursery Schools (ENS)

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) which was a new deal agency was able to establish this program of ENS where open to many students for free instead of being charged. The educational component of the ENS was well developed because of early childhood educators’ strong interest in the program.

1941

Lanham Act

The Lanham Act funds child care centers for working mothers during World War II. The facilities were created in "war-impact" areas which offered support in childcare.

1954

The Child Care Tax Deduction

Low income families were able to receive a tax deduction up to $600 for childcare from their income taxes. This helped offer a form of financial relief.

1971

Comprehensive Child Development Act

This act was offered in hopes to try to establish a comprehensive system of child care services. The act was vetoed by President Nixon.

1990

Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

This allowed $825 million to go to individual states and help support low income families. This allowed these low income families to have access to childcare facilities.

1996