Sanford Health seeks proposals to operate day care near Bemidji Medical Center 

BEMIDJI — Sanford Health is welcoming proposals to team with an experienced child care operator ready to manage a child care center next to the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.

“The need for reliable, quality childcare remains a significant challenge for health care workers and our community,” stated Karla Eischens, president and CEO for Sanford Health in Bemidji, in a news release. “Ensuring that staff have access to these services is critical to sustaining and growing the care we provide.”

The center, located in the former Lake Region Bone and Joint Clinic, will be owned and remodeled by Sanford Health. Management will be provided by a licensed child care operator, with a specific focus on infant and toddler care.

Though preference will be given to Sanford employees, any additional spots at the center would be available to the public. Construction is anticipated to start in the spring with an opening planned for next fall.

"This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced provider to expand its operations with minimal facility and lease costs, and a ready-made client base," the release stated.

For more information on the request for proposals process, interested applicants can contact Human Resources Advisor Erin Echternach by emailing Erin.Echternach@sanfordhealth.org.

Proposals are due no later than Dec. 3.