- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
- Accreditation
- Reviews
About Cadence Academy Preschool, Big Hollow
The directors, teachers, and staff at Cadence Academy Preschool, Big Hollow are committed to making the most of your child’s first educational experiences. If you’re currently searching for a daycare provider that will help your little one reach important developmental milestones or a preschool program that will prepare your child for success in kindergarten, you’ve come to the right place! Our childcare center has a welcoming homelike environment where children learn through fun and engaging educational activities that are proven to prepare them for kindergarten.
Preschool & Childcare Programs
- Infant Childcare (6 weeks – 15 months)
- Toddler Childcare (15 months – 2 years)
- Two-Year-Olds (2 – 3 years)
- Preschool (3 – 5 years)
- School-Age Program (5 – 12 years)
- Summer Camp (6 – 12 years)
Kind Child Program
Kind Child is an important part of our school’s culture and a key part of our monthly curriculum. Cadence preschools take a skill-based approach to early childhood education, which helps us balance our attention between social-emotional, academic, creative, and physical development. Our Kind Child programming gives us the opportunity to develop social and emotional skills and valuable character traits. Be sure to ask about Kind Child when you come in for a visit. It’s a wonderful program that helps our preschool students build confidence and positive friendships.
NAC Accreditation
The National Accreditation Commission (NAC) for Early Care and Education Programs provides daycare centers and preschools the opportunity to demonstrate and document the quality of their educational programs. Cadence Academy Preschool – Big Hollow first earned its NAC Accreditation in December 2008 and we’re committed to continuously improving our programs and services, which is a requirement to maintain NAC Accreditation.
The National Accreditation Commission requires childcare providers to meet or exceed dozens of standards within six component areas: Curriculum, Classroom Health and Safety, Interactions between Teachers and Children, Administration, Health and Safety, and Family Engagement.
Parent Communication
Maintaining an open line of communication with families is an often overlooked part of the preschool experience, but we have found that young children thrive when there is a strong partnership between parents and school. We offer a variety of communication pieces to keep you up-to-date with your child’s day and their academic progress, but our most popular form of communication is an app that allows your child’s teachers to send you real-time updates and photos. We also host fun-filled events for the whole family throughout the year so that you can build a strong relationships with our staff.
Our Preschool’s Location
There are four Cadence preschools in Peoria, Illinois and Cadence Academy Preschool, Big Hollow is located in Central Peoria at 6101 Big Hollow Rd, Peoria, IL 61615. Our preschool center is surrounded by U.S. Route 150, Illinois Route 6, and I-75. If you’re traveling on US-150, you’ll want to exit on either Charter Oak Rd or Big Hollow Rd. Charter Oak Rd is also the best exit if your commute is on IL-6.
Need before or after school care for your elementary student? We provide transportation to and from Ridgeview Elementary School, Kellar Primary School, and Charter Oak Primary School.
Programs Offered
Our Team

Molly Lavin
School Director
I studied Child Development and Early Childhood Education at Illinois Central College and Illinois State University. I started working in early childhood education in 1998 as a teacher in the toddler room. I have worked with all ages and started in management in 2014. I became a Director at Cadence Academy Preschool in July 2020. What I like most about working in early childhood education is watching the children grow, learn and develop, knowing that I can have a positive impact on the children. I love working with all the children and their families at my school!
In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling and spending time with my family!

Linda Goff
Assistant Director
I joined the Cadence Academy Big Hollow team as the assistant director in May 2025. I have worked with children and families for over 30 years. I began my
journey in childcare for a few years. I then went to work with Head Start. I have worked with families in their homes, in the classroom with children 3-5 years old as well as a site director. I am excited to be with Cadence Big Hollow. I am a Chicago Cubs fan and I love baseball, shopping and spending time with my large family.

Lexis Sanders
Teacher of the Year
I am the lead teacher in the Preschool 2 classroom. I have been teaching for 6 plus years and every year my students leave me with something I have learned from them. I value teaching students about self-respect and respect for others’ differences. I am looking forward to getting to know my students and their families.
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.
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Cadence Academy Preschool
Peoria, IL
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