Supported by wealthy patrons, infant schools open in Boston, New York, Hartford, Cincinnati and Detroit. In 1835, Boston's schools charge a sliding scale fee up to 2 cents a day. In Germany, Friedrich Froebel's idea of kindergarten begins as an effort to help mothers support their child's natural development through educational play. As immigrants flood into the U.S., philanthropic agencies set up day nurseries to keep families intact. The emphasis is on meeting children's physical needs.
Quality is generally poor and staff is untrained.
The National Federation of Day Nurseries formed. Although excited by child development philosophy espoused by kindergartners, most day nurseries lack the resources to provide educational activities and to train staff.