Gentex and ODC Network Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Gentex Discovery Preschool

Gentex and ODC Network officially cut the ribbon on the Gentex Discovery Preschool today. They welcomed representatives from community organizations, economic development groups, and local government to tour the facility after a short presentation.

Gentex Discovery Preschool is a new 43,000-square-foot on-site childcare center and preschool designed to provide quality, subsidized childcare for the children of Gentex employees.  The center will have extended hours of care allowing second shift employees to use the childcare service.

The facility is owned by Gentex and operated by the ODC’s Early Childhood Network. ODC provides nature-based childcare and early childhood education programming. Children spend time outdoors each day, learning through active play and exploration. The center includes 15 classrooms, office and common space, a food preparation area, a large indoor play center, and several outdoor nature-based playscapes.

“In my 25-year career, I've had the opportunity to be a part of a lot of different projects and building a lot of different assets in this community,” said Travis Williams, CEO of ODC Network. “But there is nothing I am prouder of than the work that was done by our team and Gentex in this project.”

“We feel like this is a model that could scale statewide,” said Gentex President and CEO Steve Downing. “This is something a lot of companies should be looking at to ensure their employees have quality childcare available.”

Gentex and ODC also held an open house for Gentex employees to tour this new facility today. Groups of employees toured together to learn more about this employee benefit for their children.

For the past year, ODC has provided childcare services to Gentex employees at Woodlands Discovery Preschool in Holland. Those families will move over to Gentex Discovery Preschool when licensing is approved. 

ODC is anticipating serving just over 220 students in the building. Based on the initial interest from Gentex families, they plan to begin with one 2nd shift classroom serving up to 12 children, with the potential to expand if demand grows. 

ODC Early Childhood Network

ODC’s Early Childhood Network is made up of five nature-based Early Childhood facilities, all housed under the ODC Network brand, with a mission to provide quality, nature-based, early childhood experiences that prepare young children to be active, independent learners with a lifelong connection to the natural world.