The concept to establish Gingerbread House came from a group of private citizens and parents who were concerned about the lack of organized, quality childcare in Storm Lake.

GBH began operating from a private home with twelve children in attendance during the fall of 1971. Gingerbread House Preschool & Nursery, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit, state licensed child development center in January, 1972 and by spring moved into United Methodist Church.

By June of 1974, GBH had grown to 30 children, requiring a move to facilities at Buena Vista College. A state grant helped secure new equipment and educational materials during the time of the move. While at the college location, GBH began offering both day care and preschool services. 1977 brought the expansion of two additional rooms in the former YMCA facility that paved the way for after-school and pre-kindergarten programs. 1978-79 were challenging for GBH. Changes at the college meant that the center needed move again. Funds were limited and the closing of GBH appeared inevitable.

GBH began to seek private donations and endowments, and opened discussions with City and County officials to seek additional funding sources and locations.

GBH survived and continued to grow, and in 1979 moved to a portable building next to the Junior High (now South Elementary) and at the Presbyterian Church. By 1981, GBH had capacity to serve up to 200 children and employed 20 staff. GBH began seeking funding opportunities for expansion from the community, private sources, and local, state and federal government.

In 1992, GBH secured a loan from USDA Rural Development which required matching funding. Construction began on the 8200 square foot building in 1994 and GBH moved into its present location at 525 Oates Street during the summer of 1995. Gingerbread House was approached by Head Start and AEA to build an addition to the facilities in 1998. Another loan was secured from USDA Rural Development and CBGH Block Grant. Again the community responded with numerous donations and the 7280 square foot Betty Ohlund addition was dedicated in 2001.

In 2002, Gingerbread House Preschool Nursery, Inc. changed its name to Gingerbread House Child Development Center to more adequately reflect our structure and developmental philosophy. Currently, GBH serves over 250 children, and employs nearly 50 staff.