Bronson Healthcare Forms Childcare Collaborative and Announces Plans for New Childcare Center in Battle Creek
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. – In a bold step toward strengthening families, supporting workforce development and advancing community health, Bronson Healthcare announces a powerful coalition has come together to address one of the region’s most pressing challenges: access to affordable, high-quality childcare.
Rendering of the recreation room inside the new childcare center in Battle Creek.
The City of Battle Creek, Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Community Partners (BBCH), the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Bronson Healthcare and Garden of Dreams Community Preschool & Childcare have united to launch a transformative initiative that will fund the development of a state-of-the-art childcare center in Battle Creek. This visionary project is designed to support working families, fuel economic growth, improve health outcomes and build a more resilient future for the entire community.
Bronson Healthcare is proud to invest $300,000 in the development of this new childcare center – an initiative that reflects its deep commitment to supporting their team members, strengthening the healthcare workforce and uplifting the broader Battle Creek community.
Bronson proudly and gratefully acknowledges its partners for their generous contributions, including BBCH with a $300,000 investment and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation whose extraordinary $500,000 grant reflects its steadfast commitment to equity, opportunity and the well-being of children and families in Battle Creek. Special thanks also to the City of Battle Creek for its leadership and foundational support – championing initiatives that foster a thriving city for all residents.
Exterior rendering of the new childcare center in Battle Creek.
“The lack of accessible childcare is not just an economic barrier – it's a health equity issue. Partners coming together like this from the public, private and non-profit sectors represent an incredibly unique and innovative approach to tackling a complex community challenge,” said Joe du Lac, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.
The need is clear and urgent. According to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce in 2023, Michigan loses an estimated $2.88 billion annually in economic activity due to inadequate childcare. In addition, University of Michigan Poverty Solutions states that there are about four children for every available child care spot. With even greater childcare shortages in Calhoun County, this collaborative effort marks an essential step forward.
At Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, internal assessments show that many staff and providers are either in the family planning stage or are parenting young children. Reliable, affordable childcare will be essential to attracting, retaining and supporting these vital team members.
Rendering of the infant room at the new childcare center in Battle Creek.
This new childcare center will open in summer of 2026 and be located near Bronson Battle Creek Hospital in the former Kid’s Campus Valentine Center. The new center will serve as a powerful example of what’s possible when visionary leadership and shared purpose align. Together, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, BBCH, Bronson Healthcare and the City of Battle Creek are laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier future for generations to come.
