July 23, 2026
Community leaders, employers, child care advocates, and regional partners gathered this week in Battle Creek for the Southwest Michigan Regional Child Care Coalition Summit, hosted by Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
The summit brought together organizations from across Southwest Michigan to strengthen collaboration and explore innovative solutions to one of the region's most pressing workforce challenges: access to quality, affordable child care.
Representatives from Bronson Healthcare, Kalsec Inc., Duncan Aviation, and other community partners joined child care providers and advocates for an afternoon of discussion focused on building a stronger child care ecosystem that supports children, families, employers, and the regional economy.
Hosted by Andy Dominianni of WWMT-TV News Channel 3, the event featured conversations highlighting the critical role child care plays in workforce participation and economic growth. Participants shared ideas, explored opportunities for partnership, and discussed strategies to expand access to high-quality early childhood education throughout Southwest Michigan.
"The conversations throughout the day reinforced the importance of working together to address child care challenges," said Kathy Szenda Wilson, co-executive director of Pulse. "When employers, providers, policymakers, and community organizations collaborate, we can create lasting solutions that benefit families while strengthening our workforce and economy."
The summit also provided an opportunity for participants to build new connections and identify opportunities for continued collaboration. The momentum generated during the event reflects a growing regional commitment to advancing child care as both a family support and an economic development strategy. The Southwest Michigan Child Care Coalition is co-led by Pulse, the Sturgis Area Community Foundation and Southwest Michigan First and works across Region 8's seven counties to improve conditions so families with young children can thrive. Funding for the Coalition comes from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
Pulse, part of the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, works to build a stronger early childhood system in Michigan. By convening employers, child care providers, government leaders, and community partners, Pulse develops and advances solutions that improve access to quality child care, support working families, and strengthen the region's workforce and economy.