Our Mission

At Foundations First Ministry, our mission is to provide families with affordable, high-quality childcare in a nurturing, safe, and developmentally enriching environment. We strive to foster growth in all areas of a child’s life—physical, educational, emotional, social, and spiritual.

We achieve this by offering a wide variety of age-appropriate activities that meet each child’s unique needs, encouraging their individuality and supporting their development at every stage. Grounded in Christian principles, our approach combines teacher-guided learning with student-led exploration, laying the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, growth, and learning.

Our Vision

At Foundations First, our vision is to be a trusted extension of the families we serve, creating a home-away-from-home where parents can feel confident their children are receiving the best possible care and attention.

We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children can thrive. Our goal is to stimulate each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through engaging, thoughtful, and supportive early learning experiences. As we grow, our future vision includes expanding into elementary education, offering a continuous, faith-based educational journey for our students and their families.

Core Values

At the heart of Foundations First are our core values, which guide everything we do:

Faith-Based Learning: We instill Christian values in our teaching, helping children understand their faith while respecting the individuality of each family.

Inclusivity: We celebrate the uniqueness of every child, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment where each child is valued.

Holistic Development: We believe in nurturing all aspects of a child’s growth—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual—ensuring well-rounded development.

Community: Our center serves as a supportive community for both children and parents, offering encouragement and guidance through every stage of a child’s development.

Our Approach

At Foundations First, we understand that every child learns differently, which is why we use a balanced approach combining structured learning with opportunities for independent exploration. Our Christian-centered curriculum is designed to stimulate curiosity, build foundational skills, and encourage children to become confident learners who are not afraid to ask questions or try new things.

Our dedicated teachers foster a love of learning by providing personalized attention and fostering an environment where children feel safe and supported. Through a blend of teacher-led instruction and student-guided discovery, we encourage each child to grow at their own pace.

Our Goals

We are committed to achieving the following goals:

Provide Quality Childcare: Deliver affordable, high-quality care that parents can trust, ensuring children receive the best possible attention and support.

Support Early Childhood Development: Facilitate learning experiences that promote each child’s emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.

Prepare Lifelong Learners: Cultivate a love for learning, encouraging children to develop the skills and curiosity needed to thrive academically and socially in the future.

Transition to Elementary School: As we continue to grow, we aim to provide seamless educational transitions from early childhood programs into elementary schooling, ensuring continuity and stability in each child’s education.

Engage and Support Families: We see families as our partners, working hand in hand to ensure every child’s success by providing consistent communication, support, and encouragement.

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Staff Member 1

Ashley Washington

President and CEO

A devoted wife, mother, and entrepreneur, Ashley N. Washington is the visionary Founder of Foundations First, a 501(c)(3) ministry established with the unwavering support of her husband, Eric Washington, family, and friends. With extensive experience in childcare, education, and ministry—where she was elevated to Elder in 2017—Ashley Washington has a passion for serving families and building strong communities. Her dedication as a homeschool mother led to the creation of THRIVE, a homeschool program designed to extend education beyond early childhood, offering children opportunities and experiences they may not find in traditional schools. Driven by a deep commitment to foster diversity and unity, Ashley has made Foundations First a hub of community support, partnering with local organizations to holistically serve families and provide resources. She continuously advocates and intercedes for the community, striving to inspire others to reach their full potential and to build a legacy that honors her mission and the vision God has placed on her heart.

Staff Member 2

Eric Washington

Director of Finance

Eric Washington is an accomplished automotive industry leader with 24+ years of experience spanning supply chain management, corporate industrial engineering, and plant management. Beyond his industry expertise, Eric is an entrepreneur who owns Washington Legacy Rentals, a company that offers 15-passenger vehicles for family travel across the United States. A dedicated husband and father, Eric has been married to his wife, Ashley, since 2009, and together they have pursued multiple businesses and ministry ventures. Their shared dedication to community impact is evident through their work with Foundations First, a platform that serves children and families holistically. Through these efforts, Eric has not only supported Fort Wayne but has also positively impacted surrounding cities and states, helping communities thrive by addressing critical needs. Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from Indiana Tech, complemented by various industry certifications and training within the automotive field. His dedication to both professional excellence and community enrichment continues to drive his impact across multiple areas.

Staff Member 2

Mary McClung

Assistant Director of Operations

Mary McClung is a passionate and dedicated director of Foundations First Childcare Ministry. With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, Mary finds immense joy in nurturing young lives and witnessing each child’s unique growth journey. She is a loving mother of two and eagerly anticipates her upcoming marriage to her fiancé, Javon Starks. When not at the center, Mary enjoys sewing, strengthening her faith, and spending cherished moments with her family. Mary’s career in childcare began in 2008, where she discovered her calling for early childhood education. Over the years, she has poured her heart into supporting and guiding countless children, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for them to learn and thrive. As part of her commitment to her role, Mary earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, solidifying her foundation in early childhood practices. Dedicated to continuous growth, she actively engages in training and professional development, striving to stay at the forefront of best practices in childcare. As director of Foundations First, Mary is driven by a mission to be a trusted, safe resource for families in her community. She believes in a holistic approach to childcare that supports not only the children under her care but their families as well. Her work extends beyond the classroom as she builds a supportive, nurturing community that fosters unity, diversity, and lifelong connections. Mary’s unwavering commitment and deep-rooted passion make her an invaluable leader, impacting lives and strengthening the family unit one child at a time.

Staff Member 3

Leslie McGaha

Assistant Director at Foundations First

With over 20 years of experience in the childcare industry, I am dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children. As Assistant Director at Foundations First, I play a key role in overseeing daily operations, supporting staff, and ensuring that all programs align with the organization’s commitment to high-quality care and early childhood education. I am passionate about child development, I bring a wealth of expertise in creating inclusive and engaging learning experiences, while also maintaining strong relationships with families and the community. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for leadership, empathy, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving. I am deeply understanding of the challenges and rewards of childcare that is matched only by my commitment to the growth and well-being of both children and staff.