Why were kindergarten and infant schools originally established in North America?

Kindergarten and infant schools were founded in North America primarily to assist working mothers by providing a structured environment for their young children while they were at work. During the time when these institutions were established, many families relied on dual incomes to make ends meet. This need spurred the creation of early childhood education programs that not only cared for children but also laid foundational skills to prepare them for later schooling.

These institutions recognized the importance of early education and socialization, while also providing a valuable resource for parents, particularly mothers who were entering the workforce. In this way, the original intent of kindergartens and infant schools included addressing the needs of working families, offering peace of mind to parents regarding the care and development of their children.

While preparing children for elementary school is a notable aspect of their curriculum today, the initial impetus was heavily tied to social needs surrounding work and family dynamics, which made the support of working mothers a primary reason for their establishment.