1903 First day nursery for black children opens in New York City. 1911 Federal government establishes Mothers' Pensions, a predecessor to modern welfare. The pensions, however, reach only a small percentage of those eligible. Despite the popular view that mothers should care for their children, demand for day nurseries continues, although enrollment declines somewhat. Women win the right to vote.
Child development becomes a field of research.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children is founded in 1924. 1920s Nursery schools become popular among psychologists, educators and affluent families, while day nurseries continue to be seen as a temporary expedient for needy families. Infant care is hotly debated.