National Tots and Teens, Inc. was founded in Los Angeles, California in 1954, when Geraldine Jacoway Ross created a program for whole families to interact with each other and develop relationships with local families. The organization offered recreational, social, and cultural development for children, and established an understanding of the relationship between parent and child. Members believed that the family should operate as a whole unit, and the goal was to reach each member of the family by involving everyone in all program activities, regardless of age. At the time, National Tots and Teens, Inc. was divided into four regions of the United States: Eastern Seaboard, Midwest, Central, and Far West. The D.C. chapter of National Tots and Teens, Inc. frequently interacted with Cleveland, Ohio, and St. Louis, Missouri chapters. The D.C. chapter was organized in June 1959, with 13 mothers with Mrs. Carolyn B. Buford being instrumental in its creation. By 1962, membership had grown to 60 families with approximately 115 children total.

Members hosted theater events, went on ski trips, established a bowling and tennis league, and related activities. The chapter was also involved in community service and volunteer projects in the area at such locations as the Junior Village; the Merriweather Home for Children; Children's Hospital; and the Uplift House for Children, among others. Additionally, the chapter was involved with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), holding a lifetime membership.