Final answer:
Professional education began to diversify between the late 19th century and World War I, with a shift towards vocational training and the establishment of standards by professional organizations. The rise of women's colleges contributed greatly to this trend, along with the broader transformation of the curriculum to cater to modern professional fields including CYC.
Step-by-step explanation:
Professional education in the field of Child and Youth Care (CYC) has evolved significantly over the years. During the period from the late 19th century up until World War I, educational opportunities expanded vastly, with public school attendance more than doubling and the number of public high schools rising from less than 100 to over 6,000. These schools initially had a strong focus on liberal arts and classical education, but as attendance increased, there was a shift toward vocational training, signifying an awareness of technical and trade skills' importance in an industrializing economy. Schools like the Institute for Colored Youth and colleges such as Oberlin and Berea provided advanced and progressive education despite societal challenges like segregation.
As more specialized fields developed, professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers started to play a significant role. They helped define education standards, distinguishing qualified professionals from unqualified technicians. Moreover, women's education also advanced significantly, with the establishment of women's colleges offering opportunities previously inaccessible, emphasizing the trend towards inclusive and practical education. Curricula evolved to meet the demands of the time, producing professionals in medicine, law, business, and other fields that were critical to the nation's development.