Meet Guiding Light: A New Beginning for Childcare in Hutchinson
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).
Contact us today to learn more about our programs or schedule a tour.
