Lake Superior YMCA is closing its licensed childcare program at its Cook County branch on December 31, 2026.
Before the pandemic, the Y’s Cook County Child Care Center operated at its licensed capacity of 42 children and maintained a waiting list. After the pandemic, enrollment dropped to less than half of its previous level and has continued to decline in recent years. According to a press release announcing the closure, the decision to close came after careful consideration of enrollment trends, the changing childcare landscape in Cook County, and the program’s long-term sustainability. They concluded that continuing to offer childcare is unsustainable.
The YMCA explored alternative operating models to sustain services on a smaller scale. This included nearly a year of work toward transitioning to a family-licensed childcare model.
“We recognize that this decision will be difficult for the families who have relied on our Cook County program, and we do not take that impact lightly,” said Sara Cole, President & CEO of the Lake Superior YMCA. “This was not a decision we came to quickly or easily. We explored different ways to continue providing care because we know how important reliable childcare is to families and to the community. Ultimately, we have a responsibility to ensure that the programs we operate are sustainable and positioned to serve families well into the future.”
The Lake Superior YMCA is working directly with families currently enrolled in the Cook County program to support them through the transition. The YMCA personally notified affected families and is sharing available resources and information to help them explore other childcare options.
As of June this year, Cook County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) reported that 22 licensed childcare providers served 83 children. PHHS is another resource for affected parents, who may contact Liz Niemeyer, Licensor/ Childcare Coordinator, at 218- 387-3608 for a current listing of providers.
Thrive Together, a Cook County Community Resource Guide at thriveccmn.org, is a one-stop shop for essential services and support available in Cook County. A joint effort of Care Partners of Cook County, Cook County PHHS, Grand Portage Health Services, North Shore Health, and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Thrive Together states its mission is to connect every Cook County resident with the local resources they need. Its Child Care page lists providers.
