Michigan State University’s Child Development Lab, or CDL, is making an exciting expansion to Lansing’s Eastside, bringing its top-tier early childhood education programs to a new state-of-the-art facility on Michigan Avenue.

“Michigan State University is proud to be opening this space alongside local leadership in Lansing,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. “The new center will provide fundamental and foundational resources to local families with young children, giving them access to exceptional early childhood education and childcare. It also expands opportunities to continue strengthening our partnership with the city of Lansing, which is key to MSU’s community engagement and outreach commitments and aspirations.”

The state of Michigan’s appropriation of $2 million, coupled with a one -time congressional appropriation for the CDL community expansion of $2,187,500, will assist with renovations and initial operational costs necessary to establish this third MSU Child Development site.

“One of the issues that impacts families most is access to affordable early education and childcare options,” said U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin. “That’s why I helped secure funding for the expansion of the MSU Child Development Lab to Lansing’s Eastside. This development is a win-win. It will have a direct impact on training future early educators and expand access to families across the region.”

The $4.7 million development marks a significant investment in the future of early childhood education and the local community. The new center will open opportunities for the families and residents while also providing a space for training and research by future educators who are studying at MSU. This partnership marks another impactful initiative that serves both the local and university communities by investing in advancements across research, learning and outreach.

“Every child deserves a strong start, and Michigan State University’s Child Development Lab is helping make that possible,” said former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “This new expansion will bring high-quality early childhood education to more families in the Lansing area while also supporting the next generation of educators. I’m proud to have joined my colleagues to help secure federal funding for this vital investment in our children, our workforce and our community’s future.”

The development is being spearheaded by Scott Gillespie and The Gillespie Company, LLC, a well-respected leader in development projects across the region. The expansion reflects MSU’s commitment to providing high-quality early learning opportunities while supporting families, educators and students in the Lansing area.

“We are thrilled to bring the MSU Child Development Lab to Lansing’s Eastside,” said Scott Gillespie, developer and founder of The Gillespie Company, LLC. “This project represents an investment not only in education but also in the broader revitalization of Michigan Avenue as a thriving corridor for families and businesses alike.”

The MSU Child Development Lab is recognized for its innovative teaching and research in early childhood education, serving children, families and future educators through a dynamic evidence-based curriculum. The Lansing site will create additional opportunities for community outreach and engagement, support local economic development and increase Michigan State University’s presence in the city of Lansing.

“MSU’s Childhood Development Lab is already making an important impact in East Lansing and Haslett, and I was proud to secure this federal funding to expand their services in Lansing,” said U.S. Sen. Gary Peters. “This state-of-the-art facility will bring much-needed childhood education resources to the community, provide a training ground for in-demand childcare professionals, and help to transform the Michigan Avenue corridor.”

MSU’s Department of Human Development and Family Studies within the College of Social Science currently operates two active CDL sites — in East Lansing and Haslett. The labs are committed to providing outstanding service to children and their families, critical training for students in child development and exemplary research settings for faculty and students. The College of Social Science will play an important role in developing and establishing the third location. The Lansing site will welcome children and families representing many languages, countries of origin, income levels, family structures and ability levels.

Facilitating the real estate transaction on behalf of Michigan State University for this transformative project is Todd Kosta of Woodworth Commercial. The MSU Child Development Lab’s new location is expected to open in spring 2026, welcoming families and young learners to a facility designed to inspire growth, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.

Michigan State University acknowledges the support and collaboration of multiple community partners who helped make this project a reality: U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Sarah Anthony, Rep. Angela Witwer, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, Lansing Economic Development Corporation, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, and the Capital Region Community Foundation.

More information is available at the MSU Child Development Lab website.