Grand Rapids Central Station Early Childhood Center
A new model for community-based early care and education
Drop off your child on your way to the bus. We’re inside The Rapid’s Central Station, downtown Grand Rapids. Opening in September 2026, we’ll serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Enroll today!
Is your child under 4?
After completing the form, we’ll contact you to confirm your Central Station spot.
What to expect:
Central Station Early Childhood Center is located inside The Rapid Central Station at 250 Grandville SW. It will enroll up to 100 children from 6 weeks through age 5, with classrooms open Monday through Friday from 6am–6pm.
Our teachers use the HighScope curriculum, a play-based, research-backed approach where children learn by doing. Kids explore, ask questions, and solve problems at their own pace, while teachers build on what each child is naturally curious about. It’s the same high-quality approach used across all YMCA early learning locations.
Tuition assistance is available for families who qualify. We’re committed to making sure cost isn’t a barrier, so please call us at (616) 855-9600 to talk through your options.
Built for families who rely on public transportation
This unique child care center is accessible via 16 bus lines and one rapid transit line, so your commute and your child’s day start in the same place.
Families will have access to:
- Infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms
- Indoor and outdoor play spaces
- Wrap-around family support services
- Free preschool for 4-year-olds, through GSRP
The Central Station Early Childhood Center Will:
Enroll up to 100 children
Feature indoor and outdoor play spaces
Offer wrap-around supports
Deliver public- and private-pay opportunities
Provide access to transportation options for parents and caregivers
Founding Partners
The center would not have been possible without the joint efforts of our founding partners.
