1931 - 1960: Establishing Quality Standards, Organizing Volunteers and Meeting Demand

By 1930, the nursery program had evolved from combined day and boarding care to exclusively daycare; and in 1940, modern child care standards were established. World War II created more demand for such services, and the mothers from all walks of life were served by the Day Nursery Association. As enrollment grew, so did the number of well-qualified staff members. The program was further strengthened by volunteer activity and cooperation with other organizations. Day Nursery was meeting the needs of wartime working mothers.

It was during this period that Day Nursery, originally organized by volunteers, began receiving the benefits of new, energetic, and growing volunteer corps. In 1938, Mrs. James T. Cunningham, Association Board member, organized the Junior Auxiliary. The Auxiliary's mission, then and now, includes raising money for the Association, providing volunteer services to the Day Nursery centers (nurseries), and promoting the work of Day Nursery to the community.

The Fletcher Day Nursery was added in 1946. This center remained in operation until the summer of 1956 when a new center, West Branch, was opened at 2402 West Michigan Street. The changes were made because of the Association's desire to be of more service to the community. In August 1971, West Branch was moved to 1105 South Blaine Avenue in property that was rented from the former Assumption Parochial School.