
Compare 124 child daycare & preschools in Lincoln. Average rating: 4.22/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Lincoln has 124 licensed child daycare & preschools with 1,393 parent reviews averaging 4.22/5.50 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 42% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around 68505 (avg 4.56 stars), while 68516 has the largest selection (27 programs).Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
8410 Executive Woods Dr, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
The Pines Day School receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the experienced, caring teachers and welcoming environment. Parents consistently report their children are academically prepared for kindergarten while enjoying a balanced mix of learning and play, with many children continuing to speak fondly of their experience years later.
6700 South 32nd St, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 170 children
Knowledge Beginnings is highly regarded by parents for its caring staff, strong curriculum, and excellent communication. Children show significant academic and developmental progress, and parents consistently report feeling confident in the quality of care. The center fosters a family-like community atmosphere with engaging activities and special events.
7800 Holdrege St, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 141 children
Parents consistently praise Fingerprints Child Development Center for its nurturing staff, strong communication, and educational environment. All reviewers rate the facility 5/5 stars, highlighting long-term satisfaction with staff consistency, cleanliness, and structured learning activities. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and recommend the center highly.
7211 Plaza Ct., Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 123 children
Inspiring Minds Preschool & Childcare in Lincoln receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. All reviewers praise the caring, attentive staff, strong communication through apps and photos, and educational activities. Parents highlight their children's happiness, growth, and smooth transitions across age groups from infant to school-age.
5445 Red Rock Lane, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 12 children
True Knowledge Preschool receives unanimous five-star reviews from parents who consistently praise teacher Miss McKenzie's individual attention, patience, and teaching ability. Parents report their children look forward to attending, develop strong friendships, acquire significant academic knowledge including reading skills, and arrive well-prepared for kindergarten.
5521 Shady Creek Court, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 100 children
Little Learners Preschool and Academy in Lincoln, Nebraska receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring staff, flexible scheduling options (part-time and drop-in care), and high-quality education. Parents highlight low staff turnover, affordable pricing, strong communication, and a nurturing Christian environment where children thrive academically and emotionally.
1101 Isaac Dr, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 125 children
Reviews praise North American Martyrs as a welcoming Catholic church community with excellent facilities and programming. Parents highlight the friendly staff, beautiful architecture, and inclusive atmosphere. Note: Most reviews reference the church itself rather than the extended care/daycare program specifically.
6024 L St, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 80 children
Kids First Inc in Lincoln receives universal 5/5 star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring, kind staff and safe, nurturing environment. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with strong educational programming and relationship-building focus. Families describe feeling part of a supportive community where children are genuinely loved and well-cared for.
3201 S Coddington, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 35 children
Nature Center Preschool is highly rated as a beautiful park and nature preserve with well-maintained trails, diverse habitats, and family-friendly attractions including bison, live and stuffed animals, playgrounds, and scenic walking paths. Visitors consistently praise the peaceful setting, cleanliness, and variety of activities for children and families. The facility offers educational opportunities through nature centers and outdoor recreation in a safe, fenced environment.
1111 Old Cheney Rd, Lincoln, NE · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 95 children
These reviews appear to be for Christ Place Church rather than Brandy's Bunch Early Learning Center. Reviews praise the church's worship services, pastoral staff, and children's programs. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, quality of sermons, and community environment.
Based on 120 daycares with Google ratings in Lincoln
Top qualities mentioned across 1,393 reviews, analyzed by AI
Average ratings by facility type in Lincoln, based on parent reviews
Lincoln zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68505 | 12 | 4.56 | 4 | |
| 68516 | 27 | 4.38 | 9 | |
| 68512 | 12 | 4.36 | 4 | |
| 68506 | 20 | 4.34 | 7 | |
| 68502 | 17 | 4.34 | 8 | |
| 68510 | 16 | 4.22 | 5 | |
| 68522 | 7 | 4.14 | 2 | |
| 68521 | 24 | 4 | 6 | |
| 68503 | 6 | 3.93 | 0 | |
| 68507 | 12 | 3.88 | 1 |
Capacity distribution of daycares in Lincoln (12–225 children)
Small
up to 30 children
26
Medium
31–75 children
41
Large
76–150 children
93
Very Large
150+ children
20
Highest rated daycares in Lincoln based on parent reviews
8410 Executive Woods Dr, Lincoln, NE
The Pines Day School receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the experienced, caring teachers and welcoming environment. Parents consistently report their children are academically prepared for kindergarten while enjoying a balanced mix of learning and play, with many children continuing to speak fondly of their experience years later.
6700 South 32nd St, Lincoln, NE
Knowledge Beginnings is highly regarded by parents for its caring staff, strong curriculum, and excellent communication. Children show significant academic and developmental progress, and parents consistently report feeling confident in the quality of care. The center fosters a family-like community atmosphere with engaging activities and special events.
7800 Holdrege St, Lincoln, NE
Parents consistently praise Fingerprints Child Development Center for its nurturing staff, strong communication, and educational environment. All reviewers rate the facility 5/5 stars, highlighting long-term satisfaction with staff consistency, cleanliness, and structured learning activities. Multiple families have enrolled multiple children and recommend the center highly.
7211 Plaza Ct., Lincoln, NE
Inspiring Minds Preschool & Childcare in Lincoln receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. All reviewers praise the caring, attentive staff, strong communication through apps and photos, and educational activities. Parents highlight their children's happiness, growth, and smooth transitions across age groups from infant to school-age.
5445 Red Rock Lane, Lincoln, NE
True Knowledge Preschool receives unanimous five-star reviews from parents who consistently praise teacher Miss McKenzie's individual attention, patience, and teaching ability. Parents report their children look forward to attending, develop strong friendships, acquire significant academic knowledge including reading skills, and arrive well-prepared for kindergarten.
5521 Shady Creek Court, Lincoln, NE
Little Learners Preschool and Academy in Lincoln, Nebraska receives perfect 5-star ratings from parents who consistently praise the caring staff, flexible scheduling options (part-time and drop-in care), and high-quality education. Parents highlight low staff turnover, affordable pricing, strong communication, and a nurturing Christian environment where children thrive academically and emotionally.
Lincoln, Nebraska offers a robust selection of childcare options, with 124 facilities catering to diverse family needs. Parents consistently highlight clean environments and attentive staff as key priorities when making their choice. The directory covers a wide range of providers, including highly-rated centers in neighborhoods like 68505, ensuring families can find a safe and supportive setting for their children.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Lincoln have an average rating of 4.22 out of 5 across 120 rated facilities, with 42% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Headstart Programs facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 1,393 parent reviews. Parents in Lincoln most frequently praise daycares for easy application process, clean facility, and responsive communication.
When choosing a daycare in Lincoln, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
Showing 124 results
These reviews appear to be for Christ Place Church rather than Brandy's Bunch Early Learning Center. Reviews praise the church's worship services, pastoral staff, and children's programs. Parents highlight the welcoming atmosphere, quality of sermons, and community environment.
Belmont Community Center Inc receives consistently positive feedback, with parents praising it as a clean, safe facility with great staff and welcoming atmosphere. Parents report their children enjoy after-school and summer programs there, and the center offers a variety of activities and community programs. The facility is described as a valuable community resource.
Creative Link at Calvert Recreational Center receives consistently high praise from parents for its after-school and summer care programs. Parents highlight the friendly, responsive staff, well-organized activities, and convenient hours that work for working families. The facility is described as clean, well-maintained, and offering diverse programs for various age groups.
Lincoln Parks & Recreation Preschool Program receives consistently high ratings with parents praising the staff, facility quality, and fun environment. Reviews highlight the preschool program specifically, along with the modern amenities including game rooms, gyms, and recreational facilities.
One parent describes the program as exceptional, highlighting the enriching outdoor activities, green house experiences, and kind, professional staff. Conversely, another review praises the teachers and environment but criticizes the administrative staff for unresolved payment issues and patronizing communication.
Bubbles & Blocks receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the caring and attentive staff, quality educational programming, and welcoming environment. However, two recent negative reviews raise serious concerns about staff behavior toward crying children and lack of communication regarding a child's injury. The majority of reviews highlight long-term satisfaction and strong family connections formed at the center.
Knox Child Development Center receives mostly positive reviews praising staff quality, educational activities, and safe environments. However, one review raises serious concerns about security protocols and staff conduct. The center appears to excel in developmental activities and parent communication, though safety procedures warrant attention.
Parents consistently praise Kids Park for its flexible drop-in model, caring staff, and safe environment. Children reportedly enjoy attending and look forward to returning, with parents appreciating the convenience for date nights, appointments, and last-minute childcare needs. The center offers both drop-in care and structured preschool programming.
Colorful Minds is an ABA-focused child development center in Lincoln, Nebraska that receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. Parents report significant developmental progress in their children, particularly those with autism, and praise the caring, patient staff and personalized approach. The director Abbey and her team are frequently highlighted for going above and beyond in communication, flexibility, and genuine care.
One parent highlights the creative teaching staff and expresses gratitude for the employees, while another criticizes the program for failing to prepare children for the next level. A separate review describes chaotic classroom conditions with damaged materials and notes that administration was unresponsive to suggested improvements.
Parents consistently praise the UNL Children's Center for its caring, attentive staff and welcoming environment. The facility is described as safe, clean, and engaging, with teachers who go above and beyond to support each child's development. All reviewers express high satisfaction and would recommend the center.
All reviews praise the Fallbrook YMCA facility and its amenities, though notably all reviews focus on gym and pool services rather than the child care center specifically. Parents consistently highlight the clean, well-maintained facility, friendly and welcoming staff, and variety of fitness classes and activities available.
Note: Reviews provided are for the Fallbrook YMCA facility, not the school-age daycare center. Reviewers consistently praise the YMCA's clean, well-maintained facilities, friendly and helpful staff, and variety of amenities including pools, gyms, and fitness classes. No reviews specifically address the daycare services offered at this location.
Parents praise Clyde Malone Community Center Early Childhood as a welcoming facility with quality programming that positively impacts children's development and self-esteem. The center is recognized for its community involvement, cultural activities, and caring staff. Multiple reviewers highlight its mission to serve lower-income families and its active role in supporting community needs.
Parkview Carol Yoakum Child Development Center receives mostly positive feedback, with parents praising the facility, resources, and staff helpfulness. However, recent staffing changes and resignations have concerned at least one parent whose child has developed attachments to specific staff members.
Little Flower Child Care receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff and quality environment. Parents highlight the genuine love and dedication the Sisters show toward the children. One review is unclear but appears unrelated to the daycare experience.
Cooper Branch YMCA is highly rated by members who praise the facility's cleanliness, spaciousness, and variety of programs including swimming lessons, rock climbing, gymnastics, and fitness classes. Staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and patient. The facility offers multiple pools, workout areas, and activity options for families and youth.
One parent describes a highly supportive and engaging environment where staff remain dedicated to children's developmental progress, resulting in a child who enjoys attending. Conversely, another parent reports severe safety and operational failures, including lack of supervision, poor communication, and unprofessional conduct by leadership.
Merry Manor School of Childhood receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with most parents praising the caring staff, safe environment, and educational programs. Parents report long-term satisfaction with the facility and note their children form strong bonds with staff. One parent raised concerns about billing collection practices and past staff issues.
Parents highlight the staff's warmth, noting that teachers like Terra and Alison treat children with care and make families feel like family. One reviewer mentions the center's successful adaptation to pandemic protocols, while a separate review offers a single-word negative comment without further detail.
Lincoln Parks & Recreation's F Street facility is highly rated for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and community involvement. Reviewers praise the diverse recreational amenities including basketball courts, weight room, track, and free or low-cost programming. The center is noted for staff helpfulness and positive community contributions.
Williamsburg Village Child Development Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from long-term families who praise the caring staff, engaging learning activities, and safe environment. One parent reported serious concerns regarding account management and communication during a custody dispute. Overall, the center maintains strong satisfaction with an average rating of 4.8/5 across recent reviews.
Coddington Learning Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the caring staff, strong communication, and quality care for infants through school-age children. The center is described as family-oriented with engaging activities and responsive leadership. One parent reported a negative experience citing poor communication and inadequate childcare standards.
Parents consistently praise Bubbles & Blocks for its structured environment, caring staff with low turnover, and positive developmental outcomes. Multiple families report significant improvements in their children's behavior and emotional well-being after transitioning from other centers. The facility is noted for cleanliness, security, quality meals, and strong parent-staff communication.
Most parents praise Northeast Family Center for its clean, happy environment and caring staff with strong communication. However, two reviews raise serious concerns about facility cleanliness, mold, security cameras, sick children, and management issues including allegations of favoritism and poor employee treatment.
Northeast Family Center receives mixed reviews with most parents praising the staff, cleanliness, and positive environment, while a minority report serious concerns about facility conditions, staff treatment, and management practices.
World of Knowledge Child Development Center in Lincoln receives consistently high praise from parents, particularly for its dedicated owner Dawn and staff who actively support children with disabilities and behavioral challenges. Parents highlight strong academics, kindergarten readiness, excellent communication, structured routines, outdoor play, and inclusive practices. The center is noted for its engaged staff, diverse curriculum, and commitment to helping all families suc
One parent reports observing staff shouting at children and leaving them unsupervised outside while staff used e-cigarettes, alongside excessive noise levels. Another review alleges the center engaged in aggressive debt collection for bills paid eight years prior, citing poor administrative management.
One parent describes teachers yelling at children and leaving them unsupervised while staff vape, noting excessive noise levels. Another parent reports being sent to collections eight years after paying off their balance, citing poor administrative management.
Reviews praise the facility's cleanliness, modern amenities, and friendly staff. The center offers diverse activities including fitness facilities, recreational spaces, and community programs. One reviewer noted the building shows signs of age.
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