Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Hesston, KS
Hesston Child Care has been dedicated to nurturing children's development since 1976. Our organization operates three specialized programs: Hesston Intergenerational Child Development Center (HICDC) for infants through pre-kindergarten, Kid's Connect for after-school and summer care, and Hesston Community Preschool for 3-5-year-olds. Our intergenerational model fosters unique connections between children and senior residents at Schowalter Villa, creating enriching learning experiences. We maintain a peanut/tree nut-free environment to ensure safety and follow nutritional guidelines through the CACFP program. With a Christ-inspired, child-centered approach, we focus on social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development.Our team collaborates with local schools and community partners to provide flexible scheduling options that meet family needs. We offer structured programs with qualified staff, emphasizing nature-based learning and creative play. Our facilities include dedicated classrooms for different age groups and specially designed playgrounds that reflect community contributions. We maintain transparent communication with families and follow established closure policies aligned with local school districts. Our commitment to quality care and community service continues to evolve while honoring our foundational values established over four decades ago.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
After-School Care
Summer Programs
Intergenerational Activities
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We've provided childcare services since 1976 with experienced staff
- Our intergenerational program connects children with senior residents
- We maintain a peanut/tree nut-free facility for allergy safety
- We follow CACFP nutritional guidelines for balanced meals
- Our playgrounds feature custom-built equipment from local artisans
Services
Infant Care
Our Rosemary Classroom provides specialized care for infants aged 4 months to 14 months. Certified caregivers offer age-appropriate activities in a secure environment with individualized attention. The program follows strict safety protocols and developmental milestones.
Preschool Education
Hesston Community Preschool offers half-day sessions for 3-5-year-olds with two distinct age-group programs. Our curriculum focuses on foundational skills through play-based learning while emphasizing social-emotional development and spiritual awareness.
After-School Care
Kid's Connect provides structured after-school care for kindergarten through 4th grade students. The program includes homework support, recreational activities, and nutritious snacks in a safe environment that extends learning beyond school hours.
Summer Programs
Our summer enrichment program serves children through 4th grade with full-day care during school breaks. Activities include educational field trips, creative projects, and outdoor play while maintaining consistent safety standards and supervision.
Intergenerational Activities
We facilitate weekly interactions between children and senior residents at Schowalter Villa. These programs include structured play sessions, music activities, and special events that promote mutual learning and community connection through meaningful intergenerational engagement.
People
Judy Friesen
Former Director
Judy Friesen led Hesston Child Care through multiple expansions and program developments from the early 2000s until her retirement. She established the intergenerational program and created the nature-focused educational approach that remains central to our philosophy.
Jill Moore
Intergenerational Coordinator
Jill Moore coordinates the intergenerational program connecting children with senior residents. She organizes weekly courtyard activities and special events that foster meaningful interactions between our youngest participants and experienced community members.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children from 6 weeks through 5th grade with specialized programs for infants, preschoolers, and school-age children.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve breakfast, lunch, and snacks following CACFP nutritional guidelines for all our programs.
Do you have summer care options?
Yes, Kid's Connect offers full-day summer programs for children through 4th grade during school breaks.
Is your facility peanut-free?
Yes, we maintain a strict peanut/tree nut-free policy to ensure safety for all children with allergies.
How do you handle weather-related closures?
Our facilities follow Hesston Schools' closure decisions for weather-related emergencies and safety concerns.
What makes your program unique?
Our intergenerational approach connects children with senior residents through weekly activities and special events that promote mutual learning and community bonds.
