New Ballad Health Center for Early Learning Now Enrolling in Abingdon

Partnership with employers, government, and community organizations is a national model for increasing access to high quality early learning

Continuing to deliver on its commitment to enhance access to high-quality childcare across the Appalachian Highlands with a new $4 million investment, Ballad Health has opened its newest Center for Early Learning in Abingdon developed in partnership with EO Companies’ Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub, Head Start, Washington County Schools, the Commonwealth of Virginia, K-VAT and the Wellspring Foundation.

The Ballad Health Center for Early Learning in Abingdon is now enrolling in the newly renovated Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub off Interstate 81’s Exit 17 – site of the old Kmart.

Serving up to 300 children in approximately 25,000 square feet, the facility is the largest Center for Early Learning opened so far by Ballad Health. The Abingdon location is the fifth new Center for Early Learning to open as part of Ballad Health’s broader initiative since it announced in early 2022 it would invest up to $37 million to address the childcare shortage in the region.

“The model for funding high quality early learning in the United States has been broken for some time,” said Anthony Keck, chief population health officer and executive vice president for system innovation at Ballad Health.

“This critical partnership between employers, schools, community organizations and the Commonwealth pools funding and expertise to help make childcare more affordable for parents at all income levels. It also is generating tremendous economic benefit in communities by allowing more parents to work, making use of previously empty retail space, and providing new well-paid education jobs.”

The center is serving Ballad Health team members, Food City employees and children from the broader community. In addition to teaching and work spaces, the new childcare center will offer 10,000 square feet of outdoor play space complete with a bicycle track and playground equipment.

The Abingdon facility will feature a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the developmental needs of children, from infancy through pre-kindergarten. In addition to providing a safe and nurturing environment, the center will offer various educational programs designed to promote cognitive, social and emotional development.

“Our Centers for Early Learning are dedicated to nurturing the development of children through dynamic, play-based learning," said Dr. Amy Doran, Ballad Health’s corporate director of early childhood care and education. "This learning approach emphasizes early literacy, numeracy and science skills, as well as social and emotional growth, and it helps children be fully prepared to enter kindergarten. This helps set the stage for future success in school and in life."

“We are excited to partner with Ballad Health to launch this new Center for Early Learning in Abingdon at the Regional Workforce and Child Development Hub,” said Travis Staton, president and CEO of EO Companies.

“This collaboration is a significant step toward addressing critical childcare needs in our area. By joining forces, we are not only supporting working parents but also fostering a stronger, more resilient community. The new center will provide high-quality, accessible childcare, enabling parents to focus on their careers with peace of mind. Our partnership with Ballad Health demonstrates our shared commitment to improving the lives of families in our region. Together, we are creating a brighter future for our children and our community.”

In addition to its previous centers in Johnson City, Elizabethton, and Bristol (operated by the YWCA), the health system has opened new childcare centers in Greeneville and Johnson City in Tennessee and in Norton and Lebanon in Virginia. A new center in Kingsport is slated for early 2025.

“The launch of our new Center for Early Learning in Abingdon is a significant milestone in our mission to support our team members and community by providing essential childcare services,” said John Jeter, chief executive officer of Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

“By offering high-quality childcare, we are not only helping parents balance their work and family responsibilities but also investing in the future of our children. This center will create a safe, nurturing environment where young minds can grow and thrive. It will also play an important role in recruiting and retaining new Ballad Health medical and clinical staff in Washington County."

Like all Ballad Health Centers for Early Learning, the new Abingdon center is a member of the Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network, which was created to advance children's health in the community.

The Children’s Network extends throughout Washington County, including general pediatrics, community-based programs like Strong Starts, which connects parents with resources to support children from birth through kindergarten and the Children’s Resource Center. As part of Ballad Health, it also works hand in hand with broader women’s and children’s care in the area, including the Family Birth Center at Johnston Memorial Hospital and the Ballad Health Medical Associates OB/GYN & Women’s Clinic.

"The Ballad Health Center for Early Learning, in collaboration with other Niswonger Children’s Network services, is dedicated to supporting families and providing children with strong foundations,” said Chris Jett, chief executive officer of the Niswonger Children’s Network. “It supports community efforts to ensure that every child in the Appalachian Highlands graduates high school career or college-ready and will have lasting improvements on health and well-being.”

The new center will operate from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Parents with children interested in joining the center can fill out an interest form at www.balladhealth.org/childcare. The Center for Early Learning in Abingdon, in addition to other locations, is seeking teachers with a bachelor’s degree or child development certification, as well as assistants with and without prior experience, with training provided for those currently without certification.

Legislative support

The success of the Ballad Health Center for Early Learning in Abingdon is a testament to the strong collaboration between local and state government leaders. Their continued support has been essential in addressing critical childcare needs in the region.

“Supporting early childhood education is one of the most impactful ways we can invest in the future of our region,” said Rep. Morgan Griffith. “The Ballad Health Center for Early Learning is a shining example of how public and private partnerships can come together to address key challenges, like childcare shortages, and create real, lasting benefits for families and our local economy.”

“Quality, accessible childcare is essential not only for the wellbeing of our children but also for the strength of our workforce,” said Virginia State Sen. Todd Pillion. “This center helps working families thrive, which in turn supports economic development in Southwest Virginia. By prioritizing the needs of both parents and children, we are investing in the future prosperity of our region.”

“This new childcare center is a vital resource for Abingdon’s working families,” said Amanda Pillion, mayor of the Town of Abingdon. “It ensures that parents can pursue their careers with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a nurturing environment. I’m proud that our town is part of such a transformative initiative, one that will have a lasting, positive impact on our community.”

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