Groundbreaking ceremony held for new Allegan County early education campus

August 21, 2026 - 12:11

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place Thursday for a new early education campus operated by Community Action of Allegan County. The event marked the official start of construction on a facility designed to expand access to preschool and childcare services across the region.

The new campus will consolidate several existing programs under one roof, offering classrooms for infants through pre-kindergarten. Organizers say the building is planned with natural light, age-appropriate play areas, and dedicated spaces for family support services. The goal is to serve more than 150 children at full capacity, with priority given to families facing economic challenges.

Local officials, donors, and CAAC staff attended the ceremony, which included brief remarks about the project's history. Funding comes from a mix of state grants, private foundations, and community fundraising. Construction is expected to take about a year, with doors opening to families in early 2026.

CAAC leaders emphasized that the campus is not just about childcare but about giving working parents a stable foundation. They also noted that the center will create roughly 30 new jobs in early education and support roles. The project has been in planning for over three years, with site selection based on proximity to major roads and existing school districts.

For now, the empty lot will soon see foundations poured, with steel framing expected by late summer. Community members interested in enrollment or employment are encouraged to check the CAAC website for updates as the opening date approaches.