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The Governor of New York State Thomas E. Dewey.
In this war even mothers of young children are working for victory.
We are determined, however, that their children
shall not suffer from neglect or malnutrition.
New York State has established
more than one-hundred and fifty centers which provide
a safe place, creative activities and hot nourishing food.
In addition, the children have adequate rest and happy surroundings.
In this picture we show you what might,
and does happen to some children
and what ought to happen with children while their mothers work.
While her mother works Molly is left
with the door key tied around her neck.
Molly’s knee is in danger of infection
but the deepest wound is in her heart, nobody cares.
This is all Tommy has for lunch.
His working mother left a sandwich and pie for him
but he takes only the pie.
His hunger is satisfied, but he doesn’t get enough nourishment.
In city allies children huddle in a crap game that may twist their lives.
Even a ball game here may cause broken windows.
Aware of this, children scatter when a friendly policeman comes along.
But there is another side to the picture.
These children are not left alone while mother works.
They are enrolled in a child care center
staffed by people who know and love children
and operated by public and private schools or social agencies.
The parent pays a small fee.
On such rooftops children can play safely in large cities.
Health inspection starts the day.
Centers are open early enough in the morning
so that mothers can leave children on their way to work.
There is an isolation room for a child with the sniffles.
Immunization against diphtheria and smallpox is required.
Hot, nourishing meals are served at the centers.
Rather different from Tommy’s cold piece of pie.
The rest after lunch prevents frayed nerves
and is important for the child’s growth.
When mother calls for Jane after work
she chats with a friendly teacher about her child.
Working mothers are your children happy and safe while you work?
There are separate play centers for older children from six to fourteen years.
In large cities games and outdoor activities
can be organized by using public recreation fields.
Play centers are open before and after school hours
and all day long on Saturdays and holidays.
The student council meets to set the day’s program.
The older boys and girls like to have
a part in planning what they will do.
Each student leader runs off to start his group’s activities.
Rose hurries in from council meeting to start her group on a hike.
Don and Johnny also dash in from the council meeting.
Their group chooses sides for a ball game.
Mary’s group has planned an exciting Indian game,
which starts as she joins them.
Joe is the courier from the council meeting to his group
which is ready to start on a bicycle trip.
Off they go for a long ride in the country.
The absorbing interest in commandos is utilized in this body building exercise.
Youngsters wouldn’t miss this part of the day’s sport for anything.
Here is one for all in warm weather and in winter it is skating.
It is time for naps.
Tents are used in summer time.
All year round well balanced meals are served
in both pre-school and school age programs.
All children have lunch.
If mother’s working hours make it necessary
breakfast or supper is served.
Good appetites and good food, a fine combination.
It is Susie’s turn to pour milk.
All children do their share in the centers.
Here the children gather for group singing.
This quiets them down for their afternoon nap.
One of the children volunteers to lead the singing.
A quiet activity at the end of a busy day.
How they love to make things with their own hands
in the arts and crafts shop.
The day is not too long for the children
but it has been long enough to fit the hours of their working mothers.
During the regular school year
children of working mothers divide into two groups
when classes are dismissed.
Some children run happily to the play center.
While others look through the fence
with no place to go except an empty house.
Working mothers on which side of the fence are your children?