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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- FAQs
- Schedule Options
Why Families in Smyrna, DE Choose Our Daycare and Preschool
Welcome to Cadence Academy Preschool Smyrna, where 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.
Early Childhood Programs Offered
Cadence Academy Preschool offers a variety of childcare and early education programs designed to support children at every stage of development. We have programs for every child, and our team can help you choose the right fit for your family.
We are proud to be one of the Highest Reviewed, Best Day Care Centers in Smyrna!
- Infant Daycare: A nurturing, home-like environment where infants receive individualized care, sensory experiences, and loving support during their earliest stages of development.
- Toddler Daycare: An active learning environment where curious toddlers develop independence, communication skills, and confidence through exploration and guided play.
- Preschool: A play-based learning environment where children strengthen school-readiness skills, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
- Pre-Kindergarten: A structured, engaging learning environment where children build the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for a confident transition to kindergarten and beyond.
- School-Age Program: A supportive before- and after-school program that provides homework assistance, enriching activities, and opportunities for children to build friendships and explore new interests.
- Summer Camp Programs: An adventure-filled camp experience where children engage in hands-on STEAM activities, team challenges, creative projects, and exciting discoveries all summer long.
Our Approach to Early Childhood Education
Ascend Curriculum
Our Ascend Curriculum supports the academic, physical, emotional, and creative development of every child. It includes engaging activities in areas such as Cultural Understanding, Baby Signs, Literacy, Mathematics, and Technology.
We believe children learn best when experiences are tailored to their interests. Our teachers personalize learning activities and use small group instruction to better support each child’s individual needs and developmental stage, including infants and toddlers who benefit from early exposure to our curriculum.
Kind Child
A cornerstone of our preschool curriculum is our Kind Child program. The goal of Kind Child is to promote happiness, build positive friendships, and support strong social-emotional development in every child. Through this program, we introduce valuable character traits such as Responsibility, Thankfulness, Sharing, and a Positive Self-Image. We have found that when we attend to the emotional well-being of each child in our care, we also strengthen our school!
What Makes our Daycare and Preschool Unique
Cadence Academy Preschool Smyrna provides a consistent, nurturing early learning environment where children are supported, encouraged, and guided through every stage of early development. Our focus is on helping children feel secure, confident, and excited to learn each day.
Our warm, experienced educators build caring relationships with each child, creating a strong sense of trust and belonging from the very beginning. In combination with intentional small class sizes, this allows us to provide meaningful individual attention that supports each child’s natural growth, helps them feel seen, and encourages confidence in their daily experiences.
Through engaging, play-based experiences throughout the day, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and interact with the world around them in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. As a result, they are able to build independence and confidence at their own pace. Above all else, we are committed to providing a safe and loving environment where every child feels valued, supported, and confident as they grow.
More About Our Smyrna Location
Cadence Academy Preschool, Smyrna is conveniently located at 649 S. Carter Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. Our preschool and daycare is easily accessible for families throughout Smyrna and the surrounding communities, making daily drop-off and pick-up convenient for busy parents. We are proud to serve local families with a safe, nurturing early learning environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
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
Schedule a Tour of Our Smyrna Preschool and Daycare
We invite you to schedule a tour to see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and learn more about our programs and find the right fit for your child.
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.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, providing full-day care to support working families.
What ages are accepted?
We offer programs for children from 6 weeks through 14 years old.
What will my child be learning?
Children learn through a skill-based curriculum that supports development across literacy, math, science, physical fitness, creative expression, social-emotional growth, cultural understanding, technology, and language. Learning is guided by teachers through intentional, age-appropriate activities that build skills step by step while supporting each child’s individual growth. This approach builds confidence, independence, and kindergarten readiness through engaging, hands-on experiences.
How do you ensure safety and security?
We prioritize safety through secure entry systems with individual access codes, trained staff certified in First Aid and CPR, and routine safety drills and emergency preparedness plans.
How do I schedule a tour?
You can schedule a tour online using our self-service booking system with at least 24 hours’ notice so we can prepare for your visit and ensure the best experience for your family.
How much is tuition?
Tuition at varies based on your child’s age, selected program, and attendance schedule. Please contact us for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
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.
