1924—During the next quarter-century, the Association evolved rapidly to keep pace with the growing and changing needs of the community. Merging with the Infants and Milk Association, the Dallas Kindergarten, Nursery and Infants’ Welfare Association evolved. Southern Methodist University absorbed the Kindergarten and Training School, enabling the Association to expand the number of nurseries and infant welfare programs.
1925—Association formally merged with SMU School of Education.
1926—Five nurseries, two kindergartens, and four milk stations were serving the community. Mrs. S. Booth led the organization at this time.
1927—Kindergarten for African American children opened in one of milk stations.
1932—The Association had eight facilities operating: Bloch, Silberstein, North Dallas, Huvelle, South Dallas, State Street Station, and an African-American kindergarten.
1933—Depression resulted in the closing of nurseries and African-American kindergarten; milk stations continued.
1936—Five nurseries, one African-American kindergarten, four Infant Welfare Stations operating.
In 1938, the name was changed to the Dallas Day Nursery and Infants Welfare Association, and the purpose was to “support day nurseries and infants welfare stations in the City of Dallas.”
1941—Seven baby clinics in operation.
1942—War Chest provided money for four new nurseries, plus a new nursery for African-American children in South Dallas.
1944—Beginning of infant care at the African-American nursery on a trial basis. American kindergarten, four infant welfare stations (clinics) in operation.
1949—New nursery for African-American children opened.
1950—Hoblitzelle Foundation donated money for two African-American nurseries.
1951—Infant welfare program abandoned; well-baby clinics available through health department.
1952—A need to focus on day care prompted the Association to transfer its Infant Welfare Clinics to Dallas Health Department and was renamed the Dallas Day Nursery Association (DDNA).
1953—Mrs. Margaret H. Cone succeeded Mrs. S. Booth as Executive Secretary of the DDNA. Mrs. Booth had held this position for 27 years.
1954—Sliding fee schedule implemented.
1959—First nursery outside of Dallas opened: Pearl C. Anderson in Garland, 8 nurseries in operation.
1960—Family day care began a pilot project funded by St. Simon’s Board for the Episcopal Diocese for infants and after school care for older children (Dallas Day Care).
1962—Health services discontinued.
1964—Study of the Dallas Day Nursery Association (DDNA) by Council of Social Agencies of Dallas on “Family Day Care.” Operating eight child care centers, family child care, and some school-age programs.
1965—Delegate agency for Head Start for Dallas County.
1966—DDNA was the co-beneficiary of Crystal Charity Ball which enabled upgrades to the following nurseries: Anderson, Bale, Bloch, Booth, Huvelle, Landauer, and Wadel.
1969—USDA began subsidizing food at $.25/child to improve nutrition. Agency signed the first contract with the State Department of Public Welfare for children of the Crossroads center (now called Martin Luther King Center).
