A New Chapter for Battle Creek Families Begins at Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Childcare

Grand re-opening marks expanded childcare access, renewed community investment and a stronger foundation for working families

Unique collaboration of public, private and non-profit partners aims to support working parents and address the community’s critical childcare shortage.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Inside the former Valentine Center, bright classrooms and early learning spaces are ready to welcome the sound of children’s voices again. Today, community partners, families and guests gathered at 75 Irving Park Drive to celebrate the grand re-opening of Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Childcare with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, at a new location designed to help more Battle Creek children learn, grow and thrive.

The center is expected to open for care in October 2026.

The renovated center represents more than a building reopening. It is a community response to one of the most pressing challenges facing working families and employers: access to reliable, affordable childcare. When fully open, Garden of Dreams is expected to serve approximately 80 children, ages six weeks to four years, helping parents stay connected to work, school and opportunity, while strengthening the local workforce. Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Childcare, Bronson Healthcare, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Community Partners Board (BBCH), the City of Battle Creek, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and other partners came together to bring new life to the former childcare center near Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

The public-private partnership reflects a shared belief that childcare access is essential to family stability, community health and economic growth.

“Access to reliable childcare is more than a family issue. It is a workforce, economic and community health issue,” said Cheryl Johnson, SPHR, SVP, chief people officer at Bronson Healthcare. “When parents have dependable care for their children, they can come to work with greater peace of mind, employers can better attract and retain talent, and communities are better positioned to grow. We are proud to work alongside our partners to expand childcare access and help build a stronger foundation for children, families and the Battle Creek economy.”

“Every child deserves access to a safe, high-quality early learning environment where they can build the foundation for lifelong success, and every family deserves the opportunity to pursue work knowing their children are cared for,” said Megan Russell Johnson, program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “The Kellogg Foundation invested in this project because expanding high-quality childcare strengthens children, supports working families and creates the conditions for communities to thrive. By bringing partners together to renovate this space and expand access to early learning, Battle Creek is demonstrating how collaboration can remove barriers, create opportunity and build a stronger future for everyone.”

Childcare shortages continue to affect families, employers and communities across Michigan. A 2023 report estimated Michigan loses $2.88 billion annually because of childcare challenges, including employee turnover, absenteeism and lost tax revenue. University of Michigan Poverty Solutions has also noted that there are about four children for every available childcare spot, with shortages even more pronounced in Calhoun County.

“The City of Battle Creek is proud to play a critical role in utilizing community infrastructure to support working families by investing and partnering in early learning and childcare services,” said Marcie Gillette, assistant city manager, City of Battle Creek. “The city owned Valentine Center building has long served as a childcare center location. With the shared vision and support of community partners, the renovation of this building will allow Garden of Dreams to offer affordable, high-quality care that is essential for families and economic stability and growth.”

“Garden of Dreams has always been rooted in care, community and possibility,” said Robin Beasley, director of Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Childcare. “This new space allows us to welcome more children and families into an environment where they feel supported, encouraged and ready to thrive. We are grateful to every partner who helped make this next chapter possible.”

Families interested in learning more about enrollment, eligibility or future openings should contact Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Childcare directly at (269) 788-0081 or robin@gardenofdreamspreschool.org.

LRendering of the recreation room inside the new childcare center in Battle Creek.

Exterior rendering of the new childcare center in Battle Creek.

Rendering of the infant room at the new childcare center in Battle Creek.

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About Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Child Care

Garden of Dreams Community Preschool and Child Care is a nonprofit early-learning center providing safe, affordable and high-quality care to children and families in Battle Creek. Founded in 2005 as an outreach ministry of First Congregational Church, Garden of Dreams serves infants, toddlers and preschoolers and offers Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program to help prepare four-year-olds for kindergarten. Its experienced educators partner with families to nurture children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development in a welcoming learning environment. Garden of Dreams is committed to strengthening children, families and the wider Battle Creek community by ensuring that excellent early-learning opportunities are accessible to all. Learn more at gardenofdreamspreschool.org.

About W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal innovator and entrepreneur Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic