402-805-4886

Lincoln’s foremost play-based childcare & pre-K program located in the Belmont neighborhood of North Lincoln.

 
 
 

Click Here to Enroll

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Limited Spaces Available Now for 18 mo - 5-year-olds!

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Click Here to Enroll ~ Limited Spaces Available Now for 18 mo - 5-year-olds! ~

About Us

“Amazing facility with wonderful teachers and staff. My son struggles with some separation anxiety and he has always been helped and reassured that he is in the right place. As parents, my husband and I have always felt comfortable leaving our child there and would recommend them to anyone looking for great childcare. It’s hard finding the right fit for your child and leaving them in someone else’s’ care but the staff makes it easy and keeps you informed on the brightwheel app. I appreciate the time they spend with my kiddo while I’m stuck at work. Thank you for all you have done for our family.” —Google Review from Shannon F.

Welcome to Our School Family!

Foundations Progressive Learning Center isn’t just a childcare center—it’s a home. We embrace #LetKidsBeKids, creating a warm, play-based environment where children do what they do best: play, explore, and grow.

Why Choose Foundations?

  • Play-Based Learning – Children engage in hands-on, creative, and social play that prepares them for life, not just school.

  • Independence & Life Skills – We teach self-help skills like dressing, serving food, cleaning up, and managing emotions.

  • A Community of Care – Our teachers trust and respect children, creating a safe space for curiosity, collaboration, and self-discovery.

  • Ethical & Inclusive – We are committed to doing right by children, families, and educators, proving that high-quality, play-based care is possible.

Is Foundations the right place for my child?

We nurture every child’s physical, social, academic, and emotional growth in an environment that values equity, inclusion, dignity, and respect.

  • For Everyone: Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. At Foundations, we meet kids where they are and help them grow into who they’re meant to be.

  • For Children Facing Behavioral Challenges: We practice Conscious Discipline, guiding children with patience and respect rather than exclusion.

  • For Children with Disabilities: Our open-concept space and trained faculty ensure accessibility and support for all learners.

  • For Children Who Need Informed Care: Our team understands the nuances of sensory processing, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed care, offering tailored support for each child’s unique needs.

 
 
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Curriculum

“My son has been going here for a little over 2 years now. The teachers are absolutely amazing and the skills and activities they learn each day give me such joy! I would absolutely recommend this facility to anyone looking for good quality care for their children! Travis and Maegan are amazing!" —Google Review from Josie S.

LITTLE WONDERS CURRICULUM (Ages 3+ Only)

At Foundations, free play is at the heart of our approach. However, we also offer structured learning through Little Wonders Curriculum, a Reggio Emilia-friendly program that nurtures Pre-K readiness in three engaging modules:

  • Pre-Literature – A weekly deep dive into a children's book, featuring daily readings, vocabulary discussions, and play-based group activities that bring the story to life.

  • Block Play – A monthly book study combined with hands-on S.T.E.M. experiences, encouraging problem-solving, creativity, and spatial awareness.

  • Little Masters Art – A monthly book study introducing a famous artist, followed by open-ended, process-focused art projects that inspire creative expression.Play Based Education (All Ages)

Play-Based Education (All ages)

 

What is Play-Based?

At Foundations, we blend the child-led philosophies of Montessori and Reggio Emilia into a play-based learning environment that values curiosity, independence, and exploration.

Unlike traditional methods, we don’t force children to sit for worksheets or memorize the alphabet. Instead, we scaffold learning through one-on-one interactions, following their natural excitement and interests. Our environments are designed to encourage:

  • Freedom of choice – Children engage in activities at their own pace, guided by teachers who offer support and encouragement.

  • Deep, meaningful learning – Through hands-on exploration, children develop critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional skills.

  • Developmentally appropriate practice – We respect the unique growth of each child, meeting them where they are and helping them flourish.

Building Community

At Foundations, we believe that childcare should feel like an extension of home. That’s why we offer resources and support to help ease the burden on families:

✔️ Laundry facilities – Available for families to save on laundromat costs.
✔️ Take-home meals – Leftovers from our hot lunches can be boxed up for dinner.
✔️ Little Free Pantry – Stocked with food staples, snacks, and household essentials.
✔️ Printing & Xeroxing – Free access for family needs.
✔️ Event space – Families can host birthday parties & gatherings in our facility at no cost.

At Foundations, we don’t just care for children—we care for families.

how do children learn through play?

🎶 Music & Movement

Dancing, singing, and finger plays build:
✔️ Language & listening skills
✔️ Coordination & rhythm awareness
✔️ Emotional expression & creativity

🎨 Process Art

Creating without pressure fosters:
✔️ Fine motor development
✔️ Pre-reading & math skills
✔️ Confidence & self-expression

🌳 Outdoor Play (Rain or Shine!)

Exploring in fresh air builds:
✔️ Strength, balance & coordination
✔️ Risk-taking & problem-solving skills
✔️ Social skills through turn-taking & cooperation

🧱 Building with Blocks & Loose Parts

Hands-on construction supports:
✔️ Scientific thinking (gravity, balance, cause & effect)
✔️ Spatial reasoning & math concepts
✔️ Patience, teamwork & creativity

🎭 Dramatic Play

Pretend play helps children:
✔️ Process real-world experiences
✔️ Develop empathy & cooperation
✔️ Strengthen storytelling & problem-solving skills

🌿 Independence Through Freedom

At Foundations, children explore without limits—and yes, that means getting messy! We encourage families to dress their child in play-friendly clothes and bring extra outfits. For families without access to in-home laundry, we offer on-site washing for particularly messy days.

 
 
 

Childcare

“Our little girl has been going to Foundations for about 6 months now, and we simply could not be happier. She is excited to go play and learn! The staff are lovely, and unlike some childcare centers, I have observed exceptionally low turn-over. The staff know our child and love her. I have never worried about her being safe or happy when she is at Foundations. sfdDuring her time at Foundations, we have also seen an abundance of growth in her development. Obviously, all kids grow in their development over 6 months, but I think the small family-like setting, the student-centered learning, and the emphasis on play have made a world of difference!” —Google Review from Kate R. 

 
 

LOCATION, AGES, HOURS

Our facility at 2900 N 14th Street Ste. A is a childcare center for children who are eighteen months to eight years old, open 6:30am to 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. The entire facility serves as a single, home-like classroom for a small group of students that includes an open classroom area, kids' clubhouse, group activity space, kitchen, art & dining area, as well as an outdoor classroom where children can explore nature and sensory activities.

MEALS

Foundations provides child and family-approved meals, Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack. We also ensure children are following their bodies’ hunger cues by offering smaller informal snacks throughout the day. We make our meals in-house on a rotating menu that offers as many fresh, raw produce as possible. Click here to view our menu.

STAFF

Foundations Progressive Learning Center is operated by a director and the owner of the facility, who supervise and oversee a staff of six full-time and two part-time teachers. We typically observe a 1:6 teacher to student ratio center-wide.

RATES

  • Full time tuition for 18 months - two year olds is $275/week.

  • Full time tuition for three year olds is $265/week.

  • Full time tuition for four-six year olds is $255/week.

  • Full time tuition for seven-nine year olds is $245/week.

  • Before & after school tuition for children enrolled elsewhere is $200/week, plus $35 per day when there is no school.

  • Part time is considered no more than 3 days per week and is $200/week.

  • We offer half-day and part-time rates as well as sliding scale tuition (for a limited portion of our enrollment).

We accept the childcare subsidy (Title XX) and our provider ID is 11910320. If you have not applied for subsidy since August of 2021, you may now qualify thanks to changes to eligibility!

If you have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have access to funding that may be able to help cover your tuition costs for a limited time. Call us for more information!