Las Abejitas (Little Bees), from Lincoln Littles (lincolnlittles.org), a local bilingual preschool and childcare program will open its second site this fall at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D St.
The First-Plymouth site will accommodate more than 100 children, according to Kayla Munoz, owner of Las Abejitas. This preschool program will be based on the Creative Curriculum, available in English and Spanish.
The Las Abejitas’ preschool will help meet the early childhood education needs in the local neighborhood—a need that became more critical with the closing of the Dimensions’ program last May.
“We were saddened by the loss of Dimensions as a long-time FirstPlymouth partner in providing quality programs for young children,” said First-Plymouth Senior Minister Jim Keck. “Our church remains dedicated to being a champion of meaningful early childhood education in the Near South neighborhood. After an extensive search for a new partner organization, we are excited to welcome Las Abejitas to our church campus.
Suzanne Schnieder, Lincoln Littles associate director, assisted First Plymouth with the search. Schneider said, “When a beloved provider has to close, we do everything we can to ensure that children and staff have a high-quality place to land.” Lincoln Littles is dedicated to expanding Lincoln’s Early Childhood network and providing opportunities for all of Lincoln’s youngest children through program development and tuition assistance. Lincoln Littles will provide technical assistance and support for the Las Abejitas preschool program.
“Las Abejitas is not moving from another location, but rather expanding its capacity with the addition of the First-Plymouth site. That was key. We want to make sure we are helping to increase childcare in Lincoln,” said Keck. Las Abejitas will continue to offer its bilingual program at 70th and A streets.
To enroll a child, email Kayla Johnson, First-Plymouth site director at admin@lasabejitas.net or access the form on Las Abejitas’ Facebook page.
Information about Las Abejitas is available at lasabejitas.net. Information about First-Plymouth Congregational Church is available at firstplymouth.org.