Oshkosh to open new 18-hour, two-shift childcare center in 55-unit housing complex

The Oshkosh Child Development Center will open September 1 as the only two-shift childcare center in Oshkosh, open 18 hours per day. July 9, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online

OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — When the Oshkosh Child Development Center opens just north of downtown on Main Street, it’ll be the only child care center in Oshkosh to serve two shifts, caring for kids from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

“People have such a hard time finding childcare at night,” said Oshkosh Child Development Center Board Chair Su Van Houwelingen.

With some kids there as late as 11:30 p.m., the center will end the kids’ nights, first by reading them a bedtime story, brushing their teeth, and then putting the kids to sleep for the night.

“We would start our bedtime routine for those that are staying later around 7:30 or 8 o’clock,” said Executive Director Liz Storms.

The Oshkosh Child Development Center can host up to 42 kids at any given time anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 years old, even if their parents work odd hours. With it being open for 18 hours per day, it’s likely to host more than 42, as kids are likely to be at the center for only one shift.

“There’s a lot of retail, restaurant people, assisted living facilities, Winnebago Mental Health is up the road,” said Van Houwelingen. “There’s a lot of people that work more than one shift.”

The center will be attached to the new Corridor housing complex, a 55-unit affordable housing facility with apartments and townhomes. Even if you don’t live at the Corridor, you can still send your kids there. It’ll be market rate, and the same rate regardless of what time your child is at the center.

In a neighborhood that gives you close access to jobs, close access to schools, there’s eight or more parks within a mile, we’re on the bus line,” said Justin Mitchell, Senior Development Manager with project developer Commonwealth Development Corporation. “And then the integration of the two-shift childcare center. So here on-site is a childcare center with capacity to serve roughly 40 to 50 children per shift.