- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Reviews
- Schedule Options
About Cadence Academy Preschool Smyrna
At Cadence Academy Preschool Smyrna, we provide the families of Smyrna, Delaware high-quality daycare, preschool, and school-age programs for children ages infant through fourteen years. As a trusted childcare center, our philosophy includes providing a nurturing environment that fosters each child’s self-identity, utilizing developmentally appropriate practices to enhance each child’s learning opportunities at each stage of development.
A Childcare Center Built on Family and Community
Family involvement is an important part of our daycare and preschool community. As a small, close-knit early learning center, we believe families are an integral part of the program and encourage parents to actively participate in their child’s educational journey. Parents have opportunities to see their children’s teachers daily and to participate in the program as their schedules allow. This close relationship enhances each child’s personal growth and achievement and promotes a secure and safe environment. Communication between teacher and families adds to each child’s learning environment and offers support for continued success.
Programs Offered at Smyrna

We are proud to be one of the Highest Reviewed, Best Day Care Centers in Smyrna!
INFANT/TODDLER PROGRAM
The infant and toddler program provides a loving and nurturing environment where children can learn and develop at their own pace. We offer opportunities for each child to explore their environment and learn through play. Daily activities may include singing and music activities, finger plays, story time, and creative art projects.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
The preschool program is a full day program that provides a curriculum that is balanced in work and play which allows for an introduction of a variety of subjects that includes group experiences, creative activities, listening and sharing stories, rest, language skills, writing skills, problem solving, independence, indoor and outdoor play, and health and safety education.
SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAM
The before and after programs offer services for several of the local schools in our area. Transportation is provided to the schools by the school district and our own transportation service. This program is a structured environment where students can work on homework, socialize, and have continued learning experiences while in a safe caring environment. This program also provides services for when children are off school due to in service days or other school holidays.
SUMMER CAMP
This program is a continuation of our school-age program. During the summer break we provide a program for children finishing Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. The children are in separate groups, based on their grade level. All groups participate in outside field trips and in-house activities which enhance learning experiences while having fun.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer
Big Fun. Little Players. Growing Confidence.
Cadence KickStart™ Soccer is a high-energy enrichment program designed to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate soccer play. Led by the teachers your child already knows and trusts, it’s seamlessly built into the school day.
Program Highlights:
- Designed for ages 3–5
- 12-week program (once per week)
- 40–50 minute sessions
- Builds balance, coordination, and motor skills
- Encourages listening, teamwork, and confidence
- No prior soccer experience needed
- Integrated into your child’s daily schedule
Talk to your School Director today to learn more and enroll.
Cadence Academy Preschool Smyrna is so much more than daycare. We are proud to provide families in Smyrna, Delaware an exceptional daycare and preschool education where days can be as fun-filled and nurturing as home.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Taylor Pugh
School Director
Taylor Pugh has worked in early childhood education for 20 years and has been part of Cadence Academy Preschool Smyrna for 15 of those years. Taylor began her career as a part-time substitute and grew through multiple roles including infant teacher, toddler co-teacher, lead teacher, assistant director, and now director. She is deeply passionate about the growth and development of both children and staff in the preschool community.
Taylor enjoys building meaningful relationships with children, families, and staff and treats everyone like part of her extended family. She values daily conversations and takes pride in creating a welcoming early childhood education environment where children feel supported, safe, and encouraged to learn and grow.
Melissa Koller
Assistant Director
Melissa Koller began her career in early childhood education in August 2016 and quickly discovered that she wanted to work with children in childcare. She has spent several years working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. She was promoted to Assistant Director in 2022 and her favorite part about taking on a leadership role is having the opportunity to visit all classrooms and age groups in daycares and preschools.
Melissa’s favorite part of her role is helping children learn, grow, and navigate big emotions in a safe and nurturing environment where she can see their smiling faces. Outside of work, she enjoys visiting family in New Jersey and spending time with her daughter by going to the beach, parks, and bookstores like Barnes & Noble to find new books together.
Reviews from Parents
Cadence Academy Preschool, Smyrna
Smyrna, DE
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Childcare Schedule Options That Work With Your Life
Every family’s routine is unique — and your childcare should be too. With Cadence Education, our Family of Schools may offer various schedule options designed to fit your life.
Each of our school’s are unique, and may not offer all of the options listed below. Talk with your School Director to learn what options are available for your family.
FlexiPass — New Flexible Care Option!
When schedules change, or the grandparents cancel, or life just gets busy, FlexiPass gives you five prepaid days of care that you can use whenever* you need them, one at a time or all at once. No registration fees. No ongoing tuition. Just dependable care when you need it most.


