Seaford, DE – On February 17, TidalHealth celebrated the groundbreaking of its newest childcare center in Seaford, marking a significant step forward in the health system’s mission to support not only the health of and wellbeing of its own team members and their families.
For more than 40 years, TidalHealth Child Care, based at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury, has been a trusted resource for employees in need of reliable, quality early childhood education. Recognizing the urgent need for expanded access, TidalHealth is launching “TidalHealth Kids”, a network of four new childcare centers operated in partnership with KinderCare Learning Centers, one of the nation’s most respected providers of early childhood education.
The Seaford center — designed to serve 120 children, opening near the end of this year and located directly behind TidalHealth’s Mears Campus — is the first of the four to officially take shape. Other centers for TidalHealth team members and their families are scheduled to break ground over the next two years in Salisbury, Millsboro and Berlin.
“This isn’t just a benefit for our team — it’s a commitment to a better future for them,” said Steve Tracy, Vice President of Corporate Ventures for TidalHealth and President of Peninsula Health Ventures. “By easing the daily stress of finding quality childcare for those we employ, we can create stronger families, a more focused workforce, and a healthier community.”
Under this unique partnership model, TidalHealth provides the facility space, while KinderCare oversees operations, staffing, curriculum, and administration. This ensures that children will receive high-quality, nurturing care while parents have peace of mind.
KinderCare teachers focus on meeting children where they are and nurturing each child’s curiosity. Whether children are working on their first steps or writing their first words, KinderCare teachers help children build independence, strengthen communication, and meet those developmental milestones crucial to early childhood.
“TidalHealth began assisting their employees with access to on-site early childhood education and care in the 1980’s, long before the practice was common,” said Dan Figurski, President of KinderCare for Employers and Champions. “We’re honored to join them in their continued support of working families. Their decision to expand their childcare services underscores their dedication to their employees and to the communities they serve.”
With easier access to childcare, TidalHealth strengthens its position as an employer of choice, supporting work-life balance, helping attract and retain top talent, and reinforcing its commitment to families across Delmarva.
“We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will bring to our employees and their families,” added Tracy.
Cutline: TidalHealth broke ground on Feb. 17 in Seaford, DE for the first of four new TidalHealth Kids childcare centers being constructed for team members. Additional centers are planned for Millsboro, DE and Salisbury and Berlin, MD. Joining childcare kids and their moms, middle photo, in the groundbreaking were, from the left, Demi Gilmore, TidalHealth Vice President of People; Carissa Messick, KinderCare Senior Partnership Manager; Steve Tracy, President, TidalHealth Ventures and Penny Short, TidalHealth Nanticoke President.
