The idea of a kindergarten originated in 1840, after the German educationalist Friedrich Froebel opened a Play and Activity Institute for children between the ages of three and seven to develop their mental, social, and emotional faculties. The term is now used in many parts of the world for the initial stages of a child's classroom schooling. In some countries kindergarten is part of the formal school system, but in others it usually refers to preschool or day care programs. In France and Germany, for example, such programs are separate from the schools and are often run by churches and local community groups. In India, Mexico, and the United States kindergarten programs are available through both public and private schools.