guiding-light-early-learning-center

A Guiding Light Family Shares Their Experience

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:00:46 GMT

Sometimes the best way to understand a childcare center is to hear from a family who has experienced it firsthand. Jenna Newower wasn’t planning to switch childcare providers when she first heard about Guiding Light Early Learning Center. A board member reached out to let her know there was availability, and she decided to stop in and take a look. Her son, who was almost 3 at the time, had a pretty clear reaction. He didn’t want to leave.

Finding the Right Fit

What started as a simple tour quickly turned into a childcare option that worked well for their family. One of the biggest benefits for Jenna was the full-day care. Compared with a half-day preschool schedule, Guiding Light gave her more flexibility around work, drop-off and pickup.

But the schedule wasn’t the only thing that stood out. Her son quickly connected with the staff, and Jenna said it has been rewarding to watch those relationships grow.

“He just loves coming in,” Jenna shared. “He loves spending his time with the staff.”

Learning and Faith

Jenna has also noticed how much of the day comes home with him. He talks about his friends, tells stories about what he did and shares what he is learning throughout the day.

Faith-based learning has made an impression too. Jenna shared that her son now reminds the family to pray before meals and will sometimes ask, “Mom, did we pray?”

For their family, those moments have been especially meaningful. They are a sign that what he is learning at Guiding Light is becoming part of his everyday life.

Growing in the Everyday Moments

Not every milestone is academic. Jenna also talked about the everyday growth she has seen, from potty training to manners and independence.

Those are the kinds of things that happen through consistent routines, patient teachers and a team that gets to know each child well. For Jenna, that trust matters.

“I could not ask for anybody better to watch my kids when I’m not available to do so,” she said.

Come See Guiding Light for Yourself

Every family is looking for something a little different in childcare, and no testimonial can make that decision for you. But sometimes hearing from another parent can help you know what to look for.

If you’re considering Guiding Light Early Learning Center, we’d love to invite you in to meet the team, see the classrooms and experience the center for yourself.

Growing hearts. Guiding faith. Sharing His light.

You Asked. We Answered: Common Questions About Guiding Light

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 19:42:50 GMT

Choosing childcare comes with a lot of questions, and we want families to feel comfortable asking them.

At Guiding Light Early Learning Center, Kaylee hears many of the same questions from families who are exploring care. From tuition and CCAP to classroom routines and what makes our program different, we believe clear answers help families decide whether Guiding Light is the right fit.

Here are some of the most common questions about Guiding Light Early Learning Center.

Do You Accept CCAP?

Yes. Guiding Light is now an approved Child Care Assistance Program provider.

CCAP has been one of the most common topics families ask about, and before approval, some families were unable to move forward with enrollment because we could not accept assistance. Now, families who receive or may qualify for CCAP can explore Guiding Light as an option.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

Children have opportunities to learn through art, music, hands-on activities, play and a year-round curriculum. We also focus on Kindergarten readiness and helping children build skills that support confidence, independence and future learning.

Faith is part of the day as well. Children experience Bible lessons, prayer, worship songs and age-appropriate opportunities to learn about Jesus.

Does My Child Need to Be Potty Trained?

No. Children do not need to be fully potty trained before beginning the preschool program.

Kaylee believes in meeting children where they are developmentally and working alongside families as children build new skills. This is one of the questions about Guiding Light Early Learning Center that can take some pressure off parents who are preparing for preschool.

What Makes Guiding Light Different?

Families touring the center often respond positively to the classroom layout, hands-on learning and enrichment offered throughout the day.

Music is also a meaningful part of the program. With Kaylee’s background in music education, singing, rhythm and movement are incorporated throughout the day rather than treated as an occasional activity.

Most importantly, Guiding Light intentionally creates opportunities for children to grow in their faith. Families have shared stories of children bringing songs home or even volunteering to lead prayer at mealtime.

Is Guiding Light Part of Peace Lutheran Church?

Guiding Light Early Learning Center is a separate childcare organization with its own leadership, board and day-to-day operations. The center leases its space from Peace Lutheran Church and maintains a positive relationship with the church, including weekly Chapel time.

We know this is another one of the questions about Guiding Light Early Learning Center families sometimes have, and we are always happy to clarify how the center operates today.

Have Another Question?

Every family is looking for something a little different in childcare. If you have questions about tuition, CCAP, programs, enrollment or what your child’s day would look like, we would be happy to talk with you.

The best way to get your questions about Guiding Light Early Learning Center answered is to come see the center for yourself.

Growing hearts. Guiding faith. Sharing His light.

Guiding Light Now Accepts CCAP in Hutchinson

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 18:54:18 GMT

We have exciting news for families looking for CCAP childcare in Hutchinson: Guiding Light Early Learning Center is now an approved Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provider!

We know childcare is a big decision for families, and cost is often an important part of that decision. Becoming an approved CCAP provider allows us to welcome more families into Guiding Light and make our Christ-centered learning environment an option for those who use childcare assistance.

What Does This Mean for Families?

CCAP helps eligible Minnesota families with the cost of childcare. Now that Guiding Light is an approved provider, families who receive CCAP may be able to use their assistance toward care at our center.

This is especially exciting for us because we have heard from families who were interested in Guiding Light in the past but could not move forward because we were not yet able to accept CCAP. Now, we have the opportunity to reconnect with those families and welcome new ones who are searching for CCAP childcare in Hutchinson.

More Than a Place to Spend the Day

When families visit Guiding Light, we want them to see a place designed for children to learn, play and grow.

Our program includes year-round curriculum, hands-on learning, daily art activities and a focus on Kindergarten readiness. Children have opportunities throughout the day to explore, build new skills and grow in confidence through age-appropriate learning experiences.

Most importantly, our Christian faith is part of what we do each day. Children learn about Jesus through Bible lessons, prayer and everyday opportunities to practice kindness and care for others. Parents have even shared that their children bring these experiences home, including volunteering to lead their families in prayer.

Questions About Using CCAP at Guiding Light?

We know every family’s childcare situation looks a little different. If you currently receive CCAP, are applying for assistance or previously ruled out Guiding Light because we could not accept it, we encourage you to reach out.

Kaylee would be happy to talk with you about our programs, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps for using CCAP at Guiding Light.

If you’re searching for CCAP childcare in Hutchinson, we’d also love to invite you in for a tour so you can see the classrooms, meet our team and experience Guiding Light for yourself.

Growing hearts. Guiding faith. Sharing His light.

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 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!

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).