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.
Come see why families feel right at home here.
Big Questions About Child Care? Our Fit Quiz Has Answers
Our Families Say It Best
Kind Words from Families Like You
Lincoln’s best-kept secret since 2015.
“Their teachers and staff are warm, welcoming, and care deeply about each kiddo.”
“The small family-like setting, the student-centered learning, and the emphasis on play have made a world of difference!”
“Kids are supposed to be messy; Foundations allows kids to learn and grow through play.”
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.
Thoughtfully Inclusive
Every child brings their own strengths and needs. Our job is to welcome them and adapt.
Play on Purpose
Play Is the Curriculum. We Make It Count.
Curiosity is our starting point. Inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia, we make room for choice, hands-on discovery, and teachers who notice what each child is ready to explore next. No worksheets. No “playing school.” Just intentional learning through real play.
Little Wonders, Big Discoveries (Ages 3+)
Our Preschool and Junior K teachers use the Wisdom Wonder Project’s Little Wonders collection, with several book studies each week alongside block play, process art, and practical-life experiences. Thoughtful plans, flexible delivery, and lots of room for the unexpected question.
Explore the Little Wonders Curriculum
Play-Based Learning for Every Age
Play-based learning belongs to every child, at every age. Our Littles build their foundation through movement, relationships, imagination, repetition, and everyday exploration. Those experiences become the skills they build on when they begin Little Wonders in Preschool. Teachers use CDC developmental milestones as a broad guide—not a checklist or a race.
Explore at your own pace with support from an attentive teacher.
Building, stories, and play grow language and problem-solving skills.
Every child grows in their own way, on their own timeline.
Lesson plans, daily activity updates, and weekly vocabulary are available to families in Brightwheel.
Have a Look Around
Find Us in Belmont, Inside and Out
A peek at the classrooms, and the colorful entrance that welcomes our neighborhood.
Mural by Joy Kjer · Part of the City of Lincoln’s public art collection
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.
Your rate stays yours. We don’t increase tuition for continuously enrolled families. No surprise hikes, just a little more predictability for your budget.
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.
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.
Make Yourself at Home
Run a load of laundry, print what you need, or grab ice for your water bottle. These little conveniences are yours to use.
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.