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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Accreditation
- Reviews
- Schedule Options
About Cadence Academy Preschool, Lake Street
Welcome to Cadence Academy Preschool, Lake Street! We believe in making the most out of your child’s first educational experiences and have created a homelike preschool environment where children develop valuable skills through play and engaging educational activities. We offer daycare services for infants and toddlers, preschool programs for ages 2-5, and before & after school care and summer camp for school age children.
Our Preschool’s Programs:
- Infant Daycare (6 weeks – 15 months)
- Toddler Daycare (15 months – 2 years
- Two-Year-Olds (2 – 3 years)
- Preschool (3 – 5 years)
- School-Age Program (5 – 12 years)
- Summer Camp (5 – 12 years)
NAC Accreditation & Silver Circle of Quality
Cadence Academy Preschool, Lake Street first became accredited with the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) in February 2012. The Association for Early Learning Leaders is committed to excellence in the field of early childhood education and established the NAC to offer childcare providers the opportunity to demonstrate and document quality performance. Accreditation requires us to meet and maintain 91 standards in 6 component areas: Administration, Family Engagement, Health and Safety, Curriculum, Interactions between Teachers and Children, and Classroom Health and Safety.
We are also pleased to report that Cadence Academy Preschool has earned the Silver Circle of Quality through ExceleRate Illinois. ExceleRate Illinois is a statewide quality recognition and improvement system that provides a framework for daycare centers and preschools to identify opportunities and take steps towards positive improvements. Silver Circle programs must meet of exceed quality standards in the following three areas: training & education, learning environment & teaching quality, and administrative standards. Much like our NAC Accreditation, our Circle of Quality designation requires us to be actively engaged in continuous quality improvement.
Food for Thought
The Food for Thought Program at Cadence Academy Preschool was designed to ensure that our students are fed nutritious meals and snacks every day. We provide a healthy well-balanced menu with fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, many whole grain and whole wheat items, and we limit the amount of sugar in the items we serve. Our Food for Thought Program provides us a solid foundation to nurture healthy minds and bodies.
Partnering with Our Parents
We believe that children do best in a preschool setting when there is a strong partnership between school and home. We maintain an open door policy with our parents and welcome our families to visit at any time. We offer a variety of communication pieces that keep you informed about your child’s day and their academic progress. Our most popular method of communication is our app that allows us to send you real-time updates – what your child is learning, the fun things they’re doing, and pictures too.
Programs Offered
Infant Care
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Toddler Care
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Preschool
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
School-Age Program
Our school-age program invites children starting from kindergarten up to 12 years old. Though the school day ends, our support continues with structured before and after school care. Choosing this program provides a safe space for homework and relaxation that fits perfectly with your family’s busy routine.
Summer Programs
Our summer camp program at Cadence Education offers fun, hands-on activities and enrichment experiences for children of all ages.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Our infant care program invites children starting at the age of six weeks up to 18 months. Though leaving your little one for the first time is a big step, our nurturing environment is designed to feel just like a home away from home. Choosing our program ensures your baby receives personalized attention that supports their earliest developmental milestones.
Our toddler care program invites children starting at 12 months up to 3 years old. Though toddlers are full of boundless energy, our environment is designed to channel that curiosity into safe exploration. Choosing a program that balances hands-on learning with guided play is a key step in fostering your child’s emerging independence.
Our preschool program invites children starting at 3 years up to 5 years old. Though we introduce early academic concepts, we believe that learning happens naturally through open-ended play. Choosing our preschool environment helps build the essential “I can do it” confidence that serves as a foundation for their future education.
Our school-age program invites children starting from kindergarten up to 12 years old. Though the school day ends, our support continues with structured before and after school care. Choosing this program provides a safe space for homework and relaxation that fits perfectly with your family’s busy routine.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Though the focus shifts to kindergarten readiness, we ensure the preparation remains engaging and stress-free. Choosing our specialized curriculum ensures your child is academically and socially prepared for a smooth transition to elementary school.
Our Team
Caitlin Galick
Teacher of the Year
I attended Illinois Central College and Linwood University while studying elementary education. In my free time I enjoy reading and exploring new cultures/destinations. I am passionate about educating the next generations to be an impactful part of our local community.
Anna Collins
School Director
Anna Collins is the Director at Cadence Academy Preschool and has worked in early childhood education since 2007. She studied Elementary Education and Early Education at Illinois Central College and Penn Foster College and earned her Associate of Arts and Science degree. Anna has always had a passion for teaching and enjoys helping children learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for the future.
Throughout her career, Anna has served as a teacher’s assistant, teacher, paraprofessional, Assistant Director, and now Director. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her wife and two children, watching horror movies, and listening to music. Anna is proud to support the children, families, and staff in her school community.
Molly Lavin
Assistant Director
Molly Lavin is the Assistant Director at Cadence Academy Preschool and brings 28 years of experience in early childhood education. She studied Early Childhood Education at Illinois State University and has dedicated her career to supporting children from infancy through school age. Molly enjoys building relationships with children and helping them learn, grow, and gain confidence as they navigate their early years.
Molly began her career in the toddler classroom and spent nearly 18 years teaching before transitioning into leadership. She has served in management for almost 10 years and earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2024. Outside of work, Molly enjoys shopping, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. A passionate football fan, she especially enjoys cheering on LSU and the New Orleans Saints. Molly is excited to begin this new chapter with Cadence and looks forward to getting to know the children, families, and staff in her school community.
Accreditations
NAC Accreditation
The National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC) is a national accreditation program that was developed for early care and educational programs. NAC offers early childhood leaders the opportunity to demonstrate and document quality performance using research-based criteria and evidence-based practices. The National Accreditation Commission provides a comprehensive, ongoing quality improvement system and accredited schools must meet standards in the following 6 component areas: Administration, Family Engagement, Health and Safety, Curriculum, Interactions between Teachers and Children, and Classroom Health and Safety.
Reviews from Parents
Pia Parker • Google
Zoe Musser • Google
White Angel • Google
Nicole Fitschen • Google
Cadence Academy Preschool
Peoria Heights, IL
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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.
