guiding-light-early-learning-center

Why Families Choose Center-Based Childcare in Hutchinson

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:12:06 GMT

Choosing childcare means finding a place that works for both your child and your family’s everyday routine. For families considering center-based childcare in Hutchinson, dependable hours, a safe environment, structured learning and consistent communication can all play an important role in that decision. At Guiding Light Early Learning Center, we work to bring those pieces together in a warm, Christ-centered setting.

Dependable Care for Busy Families

One of the benefits of center-based childcare in Hutchinson is having a schedule families can plan around. Guiding Light is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. , giving working families a consistent option for care throughout the week. Our programs include preschool for children beginning at 2 years and 9 months, along with before-and-after school care and a summer program for school-aged children.

A Safe Place to Learn and Play

Parents want to know their children are spending the day in an environment designed with them in mind. Guiding Light offers indoor learning and play spaces, along with an outdoor playground where children can move, explore and spend time with friends. The building is also secured with parent code access, giving families an added layer of reassurance while their children are in our care.

Learning Built Into the Day

At Guiding Light, preschool is about more than filling the hours between drop-off and pickup. Our curriculum combines age-appropriate learning with Bible stories and activities that help children learn about Jesus, while still giving them plenty of opportunities to create, play, build friendships and develop new skills. That balance of structure and exploration is one of the reasons families may choose center-based childcare in Hutchinson.

A Team Supporting Your Child

Another benefit of center-based care is having a team of people supporting your child throughout the day. At Guiding Light, our Director, Preschool Teachers and Teacher Aides work together to create a welcoming environment where children can feel comfortable, build relationships and grow. That team approach also helps provide consistency for families and gives children multiple caring adults who are invested in their development.

A Christ-Centered Environment

For families looking for care that reflects their faith, Guiding Light offers a Christian-based preschool experience where Bible stories, kindness, prayer and age-appropriate lessons about Jesus are part of the day. Our goal is to create a place where children can grow academically, socially and spiritually while being surrounded by people who care about them.

Is Center-Based Care Right for Your Family?

Every family’s childcare needs are different, and the best way to know whether center-based childcare in Hutchinson feels right for your family is to see it in person. We invite you to visit Guiding Light, meet our team, explore the classrooms and learn more about our programs.

Growing hearts. Guiding faith. Sharing His light.

Meet Kaylee Entinger at Guiding Light Early Learning Center

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:30:05 GMT

As Guiding Light Early Learning Center continues to grow, the people leading that work play an important role in the experience families have from the very first conversation. Kaylee Entinger at Guiding Light brings a background in childcare, music education and faith-centered learning to her role as Center Director. Her focus is on creating a place where children feel known, supported and excited to learn each day.

Creating a Place Where Children Can Grow

For Kaylee Entinger at Guiding Light, early learning is about meeting children where they are and giving them opportunities to grow in ways that feel natural and engaging. That can mean hands-on art, year-round curriculum, imaginative play, music, movement and activities that help children build confidence and independence. Kindergarten readiness is also an important part of the program, with an emphasis on helping children develop the skills they will need as they prepare for school.

Kaylee also believes children should be supported at their own developmental pace. For example, children do not need to be fully potty trained before beginning the preschool program, allowing families and teachers to work together as children build that skill.

Bringing Music Into Everyday Learning

Music is more than an occasional activity at Guiding Light. With a degree in Music Education and graduate studies in Music Therapy, Kaylee understands how music can support language, memory, coordination, creativity, communication and social-emotional development.

Kaylee Entinger at Guiding Light incorporates music throughout the day through singing, rhythm, movement and other learning experiences. Her goal is to use music in ways that make daily routines more engaging while also supporting children’s development.

Helping Children Grow in Faith

Faith is at the heart of Kaylee’s approach to leadership. Prayer, worship songs, Bible lessons and conversations about Jesus are woven naturally into the day. Some families have even shared that their children are bringing those experiences home by singing faith-based songs or volunteering to lead prayer at the dinner table. Those moments are especially meaningful because they show that what children are learning at Guiding Light can extend beyond the classroom.

Leadership Families Can Get to Know

As Center Director, Kaylee Entinger at Guiding Light works closely with children, families and staff while overseeing the center’s daily operations. She values open communication, answering families’ questions and helping parents feel confident about the care their child receives.

If you’re looking for childcare in Hutchinson, we invite you to visit Guiding Light, meet Kaylee and experience the center for yourself.

Growing hearts. Guiding faith. Sharing His light.

Meet Guiding Light: A New Beginning for Childcare in Hutchinson

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:22:30 GMT

If you’ve heard the name Guiding Light Early Learning Center and wondered, “Is this the same childcare center that used to be there?” you’re not alone.

Because we are located in a familiar childcare space in Hutchinson, we know there can be some confusion about who Guiding Light is today. We’re excited to introduce ourselves and share a little more about what makes Guiding Light its own place for children and families.

A New Childcare Organization

Guiding Light Early Learning Center is a new, independently governed nonprofit childcare organization serving Hutchinson and the surrounding communities.

While our center is located in the childcare space adjacent to Peace Lutheran Church, Guiding Light has its own governing board, leadership, finances and day-to-day operations. Peace Lutheran Church is our landlord, but Guiding Light is a separate organization. We know this distinction is important, especially for families who remember the childcare center that previously operated in this location.

Our goal isn’t to focus on the past. We simply want families to feel confident knowing who Guiding Light is today and what they can expect when they walk through our doors.

A Fresh Start Focused on Children and Families

At Guiding Light, we are building something new. Our focus is on creating a safe, nurturing and Christ-centered environment where children have opportunities to learn, explore, build friendships and grow in their faith. We currently offer care for toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Our classrooms provide plenty of room for little learners to play, create and discover throughout the day. Children can move between hands-on learning, imaginative play, art, music, outdoor time and activities designed to help them grow in confidence and independence. Every day brings something a little different, and we love finding ways to make learning fun!

Learning Through Music, Movement and Play

Our Executive Director, Kaylee Entinger, brings a background in music education to Guiding Light and is working to incorporate music into learning and developmental activities.

That may mean singing together, exploring instruments, moving to music or finding creative ways to connect songs and rhythm with what children are learning. And sometimes, learning happens through the simple fun of being a kid.

A special dress-up day. A creative art project. Outdoor adventures. Making play dough together. Celebrating a birthday. Or even an impromptu special treat. Those moments help make Guiding Light feel like a community, not just a place children spend their day.

Keeping Families Connected

We know how important it is for parents to feel connected to their child’s day, even when they can’t be there. Through Procare, families can receive updates about activities, meals, schedules, photos and other moments happening throughout the day. We want parents to know what their children are learning, how their day is going and what makes them smile. That communication is an important part of the relationship we hope to build with every Guiding Light family.

Growing Hearts and Guiding Faith

Our Christian foundation is at the heart of Guiding Light.

Families have shared that both our Christ-centered approach and our center-based environment are reasons they were drawn to our program. Throughout the day, children have opportunities to experience faith through Bible stories, prayer, kindness, caring for one another and learning about God’s love. Our goal is to support the whole child as they learn and grow.

Growing hearts. Guiding faith. Sharing His light.

A Place We’re Excited to Grow

We are so excited about the future of Guiding Light.

We’re building a new organization with its own leadership, board and approach to childcare, while creating a place where children and families can feel welcomed and known. And we would love for more Hutchinson-area families to come see what’s happening inside our center.

If you’ve heard about Guiding Light but haven’t visited yet, we invite you to stop in, meet Kaylee, tour our classrooms and ask any questions you may have.

Enrollment openings are currently available, and Guiding Light is now accepting Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).