This paper traces over time changes in concepts of child care using two care centers in Oregon as examples. Early in the twentieth century, the ideas of the time stressed the need to institutionalize dependent , neglected, and retarded children in a setting which focused on simple custodial care. The lack of environmental stimulation was evident. With the advances in the nation’s social, economic, and medical services in midcentury, besides the advances in technology, attitudes started to change which stressed the importance of care-giving institutions such as foster homes, child clinics and mental health facilities as well as specialized residential care for more disturbed or delinquent children. Child care has improved greatly because of the greater availability of both federal and state funds for private and public institutions and the increased use of diagnostic centers. One of the significant results from this change in simply housing children in need to housing and treating them in multifaceted and environmentally improved care facilities is the stimulus given to constantly develop and innovate knowledge and methods in the care of children.