Munson Healthcare announced today plans to significantly expand childcare access for members of its healthcare team, creating space for 137 additional children. Munson already has 496 children in its childcare programs and the organization broke ground on the expansion earlier this month. The development will be at Munson’s Foster Family Community Health Center located at 550 Munson Ave. in Traverse City.
The project represents a major step forward in Munson’s long‑term workforce retention strategy and responds directly to the growing demand for reliable, high‑quality childcare in northern Michigan. By expanding onsite capacity, Munson is removing a critical barrier for working parents and strengthening its ability to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in the region.
“This project marks an essential expansion of care for children and Munson families in northern Michigan, helping address critical childcare gaps while supporting workforce stability and family well-being,” said Shelley Spencer, chief human resources officer at Munson Healthcare. “Our healthcare team has clearly expressed a strong need for additional childcare options, and we are thrilled to be breaking ground on this project. It reflects our commitment to supporting Munson parents, and we are grateful to supporters like Phylis Foster for her continued generosity and support of facility expansions and initiatives that benefit our staff and the communities we serve.”
A 2025 study conducted by Michigan State University (MSU) found that approximately half of Michigan’s ZIP codes qualify as “childcare deserts.” These areas are defined as communities where three or more children compete for every one licensed childcare slot, or where no licensed childcare providers operate at all. The research further shows that childcare deserts disproportionately affect rural and northern Michigan, with more than 40% of residents living in these deserts located in rural or northern regions.
“We are proud to expand childcare access and take meaningful action to address a critical need facing our workforce,” said Ed Ness, president and CEO of Munson Healthcare. “Supporting our employees means supporting their families, and this investment underscores our commitment to ensuring our caregivers have the resources they need to thrive—both at work and at home.”
The new facility is expected to open in late fall of 2026. Munson already has early childhood programs operating at Munson Medical Center; Royal Drive; and with partner Northwest Michigan College (NMC) — offering Headstart, Strong Beginnings, and the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), which are all grant funded. Additionally, Munson Summer Camp is offered annually to provide care for school-age children during the summer.