Support for families, promotion of health and development, as well as the education of infants and preschool children have long been subjects of controversy. The authors summarize decades of scientific and practical work aimed at shaping the lives of children in daycare centers in the former GDR. The importance of educational and medical care for the development of children from early childhood and the collaboration between daycare centers and families is emphasized. Issues and critical discussions that arose during the establishment process, such as the care of children with disabilities, are not overlooked. Special attention is given to the contribution of E. Schmidt-Kolmer as the founder of interdisciplinary research in early childhood education.