Child Care Policy and History

During WWII, women entered the workforce, leading to the establishment of government-funded daycare centers. Post-war, these centers closed, and the US missed opportunities to develop universal childcare policies. In the 70s, the Comprehensive Child Development Act was vetoed by Nixon, reinforcing a fragmented childcare system. Other countries, like Sweden and France, developed robust childcare policies. The UK shifted its approach in the 90s, framing childcare as education. The US's path dependency has led to a system that deepens inequalities, but change is possible.

What was the main reason women were called to work during World War II?

• To support the economy

• To replace men who went to war

• To protest for women's rights

• To gain independence

What happened to the US child care system after World War II?

• It became universal

• It was discontinued

• It was privatized

• It expanded significantly

Which country had some form of universal child care since the 1800s?

• United States

• Canada

• France

• Sweden

What was the main feature of the Comprehensive Child Development Act?

• It offered universal child care

• It reduced welfare programs

• It increased funding for private schools

• It provided tax breaks for child care

Why did President Nixon veto the Comprehensive Child Development Act?

• He was pressured by the public

• He wanted to focus on education reform

• He believed it was too expensive

• He thought it would lead to communal child rearing

What system did Nixon's veto create in terms of child care support?

• A state-funded system

• A privatized system

• A two-tiered system

• A universal system

What is 'path dependency' in the context of child care policies?

• The shift towards education-based policies

• The tendency to follow existing policy paths

• The focus on privatization

• The need to create new policies

How did the UK change its approach to child care in the 1990s?

• By increasing welfare support

• By framing it as education

• By privatizing child care

• By reducing funding

What was the main reason the UK was able to establish a universal pre-k program?

• It was seen as a welfare program

• It was funded by private companies

• It was a response to public protests

• It was framed as education for all

What does the history of US child care policy suggest about future possibilities?

• The US will privatize all child care services

• The US will continue to follow the same path

• The US cannot change its current path

• The US can shift its priorities and change direction