Play-Based Child Care & Preschool in Lincoln

A Little More Like Home. A Lot More Room to Grow.

Big ideas, little shoes, wonderfully messy art, and plenty of room to be a kid. We're a play-based child care and preschool in Lincoln's Belmont neighborhood, welcoming children 18 months and up.

No pressure. Just a chance to see if we're a good fit.

Not Sure Yet? Take Our Child Care Fit Quiz
Children playing together at Foundations
Children coloring and creating at Foundations Creative art classroom at Foundations
Our HoursMonday–Friday, 6:30 AM–6 PM
EnrollmentFull- and Part-Time Care
A Little Welcome 🎉First Week Free or Welcome GiftPlus a Two-Week Trial Period

Our Families Say It Best

Good Words From Good People.

Eleven years of big feelings, little milestones, and families who become friends.

“Their teachers and staff are warm, welcoming, and care deeply about each kiddo.”
Katelyn C. · Google
“The small family-like setting, the student-centered learning, and the emphasis on play have made a world of difference!”
Kate R. · Google
“Kids are supposed to be messy; Foundations allows kids to learn and grow through play.”
Mallorie T. · Facebook

Childhood, Unrushed

Why Families Choose Foundations

Big questions, messy masterpieces, epic block towers, and teachers who know more than just your child's name. We take early learning seriously without taking the joy out of being a kid.

Learning Through Play

Children explore real ideas through books, building, imagination, art, and conversation.

Familiar Faces, Every Day

Consistent teachers, caring relationships, and a place where children feel genuinely known.

Small by Design

A home-like program where individual needs matter more than one-size-fits-all routines.

Tuition That Stays Yours

No tuition increases for families who remain continuously enrolled. One less surprise for your budget.

Play on Purpose

Play Is the Curriculum. We Make It Count.

Curiosity is our starting point. We borrow the best from Montessori and Reggio Emilia: room to choose, real hands-on experiences, and teachers who notice what each child is ready to explore next. No worksheets required to prove learning is happening.

Art supplies and classroom at Foundations

Little Wonders, Big Discoveries (Ages 3+)

Our Preschool and Junior K teachers draw from the Wisdom Wonder Project's Little Wonders collection: a book each week, hands-on block play, and process art. Thoughtful plans, flexible delivery, and lots of room for the unexpected question.

Explore the Little Wonders Curriculum
Children engaged in child-led play at Foundations

Play-Based Learning for Every Age

Our Littles learn through movement, relationships, imagination, repetition, and everyday exploration. Teachers use CDC developmental milestones as a broad guide—not a checklist children must race to finish. Across every classroom, the child leads and teachers thoughtfully extend the learning.

Freedom of Choice

Explore at your own pace with support from an attentive teacher.

Deep, Meaningful Learning

Building, stories, and play grow language and problem-solving skills.

Developmentally Appropriate

Every child grows in their own way, on their own timeline.

Have a Look Around

The Spaces Where It All Happens

No staged perfection. Just real places made for real childhood.

Foundations art classroom
Art & Creativity Space
Foundations Preschool classroom
Preschool Classroom
Foundations Junior Kindergarten classroom
Junior K Classroom

The Practical Stuff

Tuition Without the Guesswork

Open Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–6 PM at 2900 N. 14th Street in Lincoln.

18 Months–2 Years

$260/week

Full-Time

Part-Time: $200/week

3 Years

$250/week

Full-Time

Part-Time: $190/week

4–6 Years

$240/week

Full-Time

Part-Time: $190/week

Part-time care is available for two or three scheduled days each week at the same part-time rate, subject to openings.

Breakfast, lunch, and snack are always included.

Need School-Age or Before- and After-School Care?

School-age full-time care is $230/week. Before- and after-school care is $190/week. LPS days off are $40/day when applicable. Availability is limited; ask us about schedules and openings.

Free & Reduced-Cost Tuition

Help Paying for Child Care

The price tag shouldn't be the end of the conversation. We accept Nebraska Child Care Subsidy and offer a limited number of Sliding Scale Tuition spaces. A quick income check can help you find your next step.

Count the adults and children in your household. Use your total income before taxes.

Based on Nebraska's October 1, 2026 initial subsidy income guidelines. This is an income-only estimate, not an eligibility decision. Your entries aren't submitted to Foundations.

For Your Whole Family

We See the Grown-Ups, Too.

Morning drop-off, work, errands, dinner, repeat. We know there's a whole family behind every child, so we make room for them, too.

Coffee & Breakfast to Go

Coffee and grab-and-go breakfast snacks to fuel the workday.

Your Tuition Rate Stays Yours

We don't increase tuition for continuously enrolled families. Budget with confidence.

Resources & Connections

Community resources, helpful referrals, and people who know people.

Birthday Parties & Event Space

Enrolled families can use our space for celebrations on evenings and weekends, by arrangement.

Come Play a While.

Come see the block towers, the colorful art, the big questions, and the little victories. We'd love to meet your family.