The War Manpower Commission estimates two million children need care. Absenteeism and turnover related to child care become serious problems.
Newspapers run stories of children being neglected or endangered while their parents work.
1942 Policymakers are ambivalent about child care. The War Manpower Commission urges employers not to recruit women with children under age 14. 1942 Administrative changes in the Lanham Act, originally approved in 1940, allow public works monies to be used for child care in war-disrupted areas. All mothers are eligible regardless of income. The debate on child care continues.