Michigan State University Expands Child Development Lab to Lansing’s Eastside
Michigan State University (MSU) is set to broaden its impact on early childhood education by opening a new facility for its Child Development Lab (CDL) on Michigan Avenue in Lansing’s Eastside neighborhood. This development comes as part of a concerted effort to deliver high-quality early educational resources to families within the community.
According to MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko, the initiative underscores the university’s commitment to community engagement. “The new center will provide foundational resources to local families with young children, giving them access to exceptional early childhood education and childcare,” he stated. The expansion is poised to strengthen the existing partnership between MSU and the city of Lansing, enabling further collaborative endeavors that foster educational growth and community support.
The funding for the expansion is substantial. The state of Michigan has allocated million, supplemented by a one-time congressional appropriation totaling ,187,500, which will address renovation and operational expenses necessary for the new center. U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin emphasized the importance of this investment, noting, “One of the issues that impacts families most is access to affordable early education and childcare options.” The expansion is expected to yield significant benefits, particularly by enhancing the training of future educators while expanding access to families across the region.
This .7 million development represents a significant step in bolstering early childhood education in the Lansing area. Besides serving local families, the facility will function as a training ground for MSU students pursuing careers in education. This aligns with broader initiatives aimed at supporting the future workforce in a sector that is increasingly recognized for its vital role in societal development.
Former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow also conveyed her support for the initiative, stating, “Every child deserves a strong start, and Michigan State University’s Child Development Lab is helping make that possible.” The expansion is designed not only for educational purposes but also to enhance the overall community by fostering economic development in the Michigan Avenue corridor, as conveyed by Scott Gillespie, founder of The Gillespie Company, LLC, which is overseeing the project.
The Lansing site is anticipated to enrich MSU’s already distinguished Child Development Lab, which operates successfully in both East Lansing and Haslett. These labs focus on providing outstanding service to children and families while serving as exemplary training grounds for students in child development.
Facilitating the transaction for this transformative project is Todd Kosta of Woodworth Commercial. The new facility is projected to open its doors in spring 2026, aiming to inspire creativity and a lifelong love of learning among young learners.
This initiative has garnered substantial local and federal support, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the Lansing community. With contributions from various figures, including U.S. Senators and local government representatives, the project is a testament to collective efforts aimed at enriching the educational landscape for future generations.
For further information, interested parties can visit the MSU Child Development Lab website.
