MANISTEE, Michigan — A significant boost to the region’s childcare options is on the horizon as a new early childhood center prepares to open at Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital this fall. The initiative, led by Huntey’s Clubhouse, aims to serve families in Manistee and surrounding communities by addressing a long-standing need for quality childcare resources.

Expanding Childcare Access in Manistee

The forthcoming facility, located in the former West Shore Community College space within the hospital’s education center, is designed to accommodate up to 72 children, ranging from infancy through age five. Local advocates, including the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and West Shore Community College, identified urgent demand for childcare Manistee services, paving the way for this strategic partnership among key community institutions.

Details on the New Facility

Huntey’s Clubhouse will tailor the center’s environment to distinct age groups, offering dedicated rooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. As an established organization in early childhood programs since 1995, Huntey’s Clubhouse brings experience from six locations across the region to the new Manistee site. The center will focus on supporting comprehensive child development—social, emotional, cognitive, and physical—while providing a safe and nurturing space for young learners.

Partnerships and Community Collaboration

The project exemplifies a collaborative approach, with Munson Healthcare providing the venue and on-site meals in partnership with the hospital’s kitchen. The manistee hospital campus offers a central and convenient setting for the childcare center, strengthening ties between local healthcare professionals, families, and education providers.

Staffing and Enrollment Priorities

The Manistee location is expected to employ approximately 15 to 20 staff, generating new childcare jobs for the area. Initially, enrollment at the early childhood center will give priority to Munson Healthcare staff, supporting hospital employees with vital preschool and childcare solutions. Broader enrollment details, including application windows, are expected to open during the summer of 2026, with full pricing information to follow as the opening date approaches.

Benefits for Area Families

By increasing the supply of manistee childcare and introducing an innovative preschool center in a hospital-based setting, the new facility is poised to benefit working parents and local businesses alike. Consistent access to nutritious meals—breakfast, lunch, and snacks—will be provided onsite, further elevating the quality of the center’s early childhood programs.

A New Chapter for Huntey’s Clubhouse

Founded in Big Rapids nearly three decades ago, Huntey’s Clubhouse has built a reputation for robust care and early learning across Michigan. This upcoming Manistee expansion marks the latest chapter in its ongoing mission to support families, educators, and the region’s workforce. Recognizing the increasing importance of reliable childcare centers across communities, local leaders remain optimistic that this new resource will help strengthen the area’s broader social and economic fabric.