Duluth experiencing childcare shortage, Duluth YMCA and Essentia partnering to address gap

The Duluth Childcare Task Force reports that Duluth is currently in need of more than 1,000 childcare spaces amidst a childcare shortage in the city. The Duluth YMCA and Essentia Health are now partnering to assist in filling that gap.

The two organizations released a joint a statement saying they are starting a new project that will add more than 100 infant, toddler, and preschool spots in the Central Hillside neighborhood. The YMCA has committed more than $1 million and Essentia has committed more than $2.6 million towards a Hillside Early Childhood Learning Center.

“The YMCA is proud to be our nation’s premier provider of high-quality early childhood education programs and services, and we are thrilled to once again work with our neighbors at Essentia Health to serve our community,” said Sara Cole, president & CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA. “We believe that when we partner together, we can solve some of the most pressing needs of our time and provide unparalleled service to the Northland community.”

“Childcare is an immense need in Duluth and one that Essentia is passionate about supporting,” said Tonya Loken, Essentia’s community relations director. “We know giving kids a healthy start improves the overall well-being of our communities. We’re excited about the opportunity to invest in this transformational project alongside our partners at the Duluth Area Family YMCA.”

The center will be located on the corner of Fifth Street and Fifth Avenue East on land provided by Essentia and the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery. A groundbreaking is anticipated to happen in spring 2025. The center is expected to open later summer 2026.