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  • Overview
  • Programs
  • Our Team
  • Accreditation

About Cadence Academy Preschool in West Des Moines, IA

Cadence Academy Preschool, Grand offers exciting early learning environments for children ages 6 weeks through 5 years old. Our preschool center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and we specialize in creating engaging educational experiences that help young children develop academic, social-emotional, and physical skill.

Our preschool programs are built upon the Ascend Curriculum, which takes a skill-targeted approach to early education. Our children are constantly developing valuable skill sets in nine subject areas. We personalize educational activities to match the interests and current skill level of our students, which helps them feel engaged, supported, and challenged.

Our Preschool’s Programs

We offer a Before and After School Care Program for children ages five to seven on a limited basis. Please note, we typically restrict enrollment to students who have younger siblings at the school.

Kind Child

Kind Child Program LogoA child’s first social experiences shape their attitude and aptitude for the rest of their lives, so we make sure to fill each day with adventure, learning, and laughter. We encourage our students and staff to celebrate and value diversity and our Kind Child program helps us strengthen the character and social skills of every child in our care. Kind Child is a core subject in our monthly curriculum and we regularly host Kind Child events that help everyone feel welcome and valued at our preschool.

School-to-Home Connection

We understand how important communication is to a child’s success, so we like to connect with our parents every day. Our daycare center has an open-door policy and we welcome you to visit at any time and stay for as long as you like. We offer a variety of communications to keep you up-to-date on your child’s overall developmental progress and have formal parent-teacher conferences twice a year so you can join us in setting goals for your child.

Our Team

Erica Austin

Erica Austin

School Director

Hi, my name is Erica Austin! I am originally from Johnston, IA, and graduated with my Associates Degree in Early Childhood from DMACC in 2007. In 2009, my husband and I moved to Iowa City and I taught 2’s for 4 years, then became the Assistant Director at the Cadence Academy in Iowa City. After my husband graduated from the University of Iowa in 2016, we moved to Pella, IA, where I have been the Lead Teacher in a classroom of 2 and 3 year olds. I am excited to be a part of the Cadence Academy family!

Madison Whisney

Madison Whisney

Assistant Director

My name is Madison Whisney. I have worked at Cadence Academy for more than 3 years and have loved working here. I have a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. I was drawn to Early Childhood Education from a young age. Both my mother and grandmother were kindergarten teachers and although I took a slightly different path, I am proud to be a third generation Early Childhood Educator. My husband Adam and our beautiful 1 year old daughter Sadie enjoy camping, biking, boating and most especially cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones. You will see us at every football game this fall! I am a very outgoing individual and love meeting new people and I feel so fortunate to be able to get to be a part of this school, meet all of your families and of course spend time with the kiddos!

Accreditations

NAEYC Accreditation

Every child deserves access to high-quality early learning experiences. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) has set 10 standards for early childhood programs that can help families make the right choice when they are looking for a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten. The standards and criteria are also the foundation of the NAEYC Accreditation system for early childhood programs. To earn NAEYC Accreditation, schools must go through an extensive self-study and quality-improvement process, followed by an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to verify and ensure that the program meets each of the ten program standards, and hundreds of corresponding individual criteria. NAEYC-accredited programs are always prepared for unannounced quality-assurance visits during their accreditation term, which lasts for five years. In the 30 years since NAEYC Accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. More than 7,000 programs are currently accredited by NAEYC—less than 10 percent of all child care centers, preschools, and kindergartens nationally achieve this recognition.

Reviews from Parents

5.0 Rating based on 111 Reviews Leave A Review
Ella Martin • Facebook
Whenever I pick up my niece from Cadence she always has a smile on her face! She is always taking about her friends and “my teachers.” I was able to go to trunk or treat this past fall and it was so much fun. The staff did a great job with their trucks! Also everyone is so friendly when I pick up my niece.
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Minda Kuckuck • Facebook
We have been part of the Cadence Academy community for almost six years. Both of our children have received the care and attention that has allowed them to learn and grow. They love being at Cadence and have developed meaningful relationships with their teachers and long-lasting friendships. I always recommend Cadence to family and friends.
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Amy Stier • Facebook
I have family that goes there and love it. All the employees are wonderful and they do a great job!
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Adam Whisney • Facebook
My daughter attends Cadence Academy Grand and she loves it! She has grown so much here. Friends and family comment often on how well she does socially and academically and we accredit a huge part of that to her teachers at Cadence!
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Cadence Academy Preschool

West Des Moines, IA

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Preparing Your Child To THRIVE

Your child is unique, and we are happy to provide an educational, fun, and nurturing environment where each child can develop and thrive in order to build a bright future with unlimited possibilities.