Which developments led to the growth of nursery schools during the 20th century?

The growth of nursery schools and other preschool education institutions during the 20th century was driven by several key social and scientific developments:

• Scientific Advancement: There was a surge in scientific interest regarding early childhood, with new insights applied from fields such as psychology, medicine, psychiatry, and education. This included the influential developmental psychology of Jean Piaget, which highlighted the importance of cognitive learning processes and concept formation in young children.1
• Social and Educational Reform: Increased recognition of the value of child guidance and parent education spurred growth. Additionally, efforts were made to improve the educational quality of existing day nurseries that served the children of working mothers.1
• Compensatory Programs: By the mid-1960s, the U.S. government began funding programs for disadvantaged children to address gaps in early cognitive development. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 established the Head Start program, which provided comprehensive care and prepared children for public school success.2