Center is first of four child care centers at healthcare facilities in Maryland and Delaware
Key highlights:
TidalHealth employees to benefit from high-quality KinderCare early child care and education
- TidalHealth to sponsor child care benefit for employees in Maryland and Delaware
- TidalHealth will build four child care centers for employees in 2026 and 2027
- KinderCare will operate all four day care centers
- TidalHealth employees’ children can attend centers close to their parents’ workplace
LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. [February 18, 2026] – KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE:
KLC), a leading provider of private early childhood and school-age education and care, and
TidalHealth, a regional healthcare provider in Maryland and Delaware, recently celebrated the
groundbreaking of a new child care center in Seaford, Del. The new center, one of four child
care centers TidalHealth will build for employees in the region over the next year, marks the
health system’s mission to support the health and wellbeing of its community, team members,
and their families.
For more than 40 years, TidalHealth Child Care, based at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in
Salisbury, Md., 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.
The Seaford center, designed to serve 120 children beginning in winter 2026 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 knowing their children are
learning and growing in a safe environment nearby.
“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.
Employers interested in offering customized child care solutions for their families can learn more
about KinderCare’s support at kindercare.com/employer-sponsored-child-care.
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About KinderCare Learning Companies™
KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE: KLC) is a leading private provider of early
childhood and school-age education and care. KinderCare builds confidence for life in children
and families from all backgrounds. KinderCare supports hardworking families in 41 states and
the District of Columbia with differentiated flexible child care solutions through its portfolio of
brands and services:
- KinderCare® Learning Centers offering early learning programs for children six weeks
to 12 years old;
- The Crème School®, a premium early education experience using a variety of
enrichment classrooms;
- Champions® before- and after-school programs in local schools, and
- Customized child care benefits in partnership with employers, including child care on or
near the site where their parents work, as well as tuition benefits and backup care
across all our programs.
Headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, KinderCare operates more than 2,700 early learning
centers and sites.
Investor Relations
investors@kindercare.com
Media Relations
media@kindercare.com