“Welcome to Central Station Early Childhood Center!”
The $10 million first-of-its-kind childcare center in Grand Rapids’ Rapid Central Station is aiming to reduce the commute for working parents and set a national trend.
Tracie Coffman is Program Officer for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, which contributed $5.8 million to the project.
“Families need access to early care and education, but they need care that is affordable. They need access to transportation that is reliable and convenient to access that care, and they need spaces designed to serve multiple purposes.”
According to a 2023 foundation survey, 94% of bus riders rated proximity to transit as very important, with 70% stating they would likely enroll their children in the program.
President & CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation La June Montgomery Tabron says the center will save families money, reducing stress and commute times.
“For parents who rely on public transportation, access to childcare can be one of the biggest barriers to employment and stability. The center removes this barrier, placing high-quality, affordable care exactly where families already are.”
Online enrollment is underway for 100 children from birth to five-years-old. The center will open to families in September.
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