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OWOSSO, Mich., June 21, 2023 – Memorial Healthcare has received a $150,000 Caring for MI Future: Facilities Improvement Fund Grant to expand its Memorial Childcare Academy. Caring for MI Future is a $100 million investment to help more Michigan families find quality, affordable child care in their community by opening 1,000 new or expanded childcare programs by the end of 2024.

“We are thrilled to have received this grant and thank the Michigan Department of Education for investing in the Owosso community, particularly our employees and community members seeking high-quality, early childhood care in Owosso,” said Brian Long, president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare.

“High-quality early learning is a top priority of the Michigan Department of Education, which prepares children for success in school,” said Lisa Brewer-Walraven, director of the Office of Child Development and Care at the Michigan Department of Education. “This investment continues the investments of the governor and legislature to expand access to support families and help communities thrive by providing safe environments for the children of Michigan families.”

In addition to the state grant, Memorial Childcare Academy received additional grants from the Memorial Healthcare Foundation for $40,000 and Memorial Healthcare Auxiliary for $60,000 for purchasing new playground equipment.

“Our foundation and auxiliary members continue to stand side by side as partners in our efforts to better serve families in the community,” said Long. “We are very grateful for their ongoing dedication and assistance.”

Memorial Childcare Academy is a nearly 20,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility that will be located at 1488 N. M-52 in Owosso. The facility will be able to host 130 children, ranging from infants to 12 years of age, for full-time and part-time care.

The Academy is being developed in partnership with Heritage Hollow, a trusted childcare provider in Shiawassee County with more than 20 years of experience. A state-certified facility, Memorial Childcare Academy strongly emphasizes fostering a sustainable learning environment for enrolled children, offering parents the peace of mind that their children will be safely cared for in an active and educational environment. The spacious rooms are designed for optimal learning and are led by teachers who have received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early-childhood curriculum. Additionally, the facility will offer lower child-to-teacher ratios than competitors within a safe, clean environment and the added benefits of meal planning by Registered Dietitians and access to nurses and pediatric providers for any healthcare needs.

Construction continues on the existing facility, which is expected to complete by mid-summer. Those interested in enrolling their child can click here or contact Adam Grass at (989) 720-2152 for additional information. Corporate partnerships are also available with discount rates.