Childcare & Preschool | Willowdale Children's Academy

Chadds Ford, PA, Child Care:

A Place to Learn, Play, and Grow!

Play-Based S.T.E.A.M Curriculum. Industry-Awarded Programs. No Annual Registration Fees.

Welcome to Willowdale Children’s Academy in Chadds Ford! We offer a safe, fun, and engaging environment where children are excited to learn. As a Keystone Star 4-accredited school, we are dedicated to providing a high-quality, play-based education that prepares young children for kindergarten and beyond. We invite you to tour our school, meet our certified teachers, and discover a second home for your family.

“Thank You for setting standards that exceed normal expectations.”

By Jennifer V.

Experience the Best in Early Childhood Education

At Willowdale Children’s Academy, we know that children learn best when they are having fun. Our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, ensuring your child loves coming to school every day. We make learning an exciting adventure.

Why Families Choose Our Chadds Ford School:

Here’s What Parents Say

“We enrolled our three young children into Willowdale and since then our kids have excelled beyond our expectations. The teachers are amazing and really focus on developing the children’s learning capabilities and that is extremely important to us.”

-Adam B., Father & Google Reviewer

Check Out Our School

An Exciting and Enriching Learning Experience

Opened in 2012, our Chadds Ford location is a nationally ranked Early Learning Center serving children from 6 weeks through Pre-Kindergarten. Our year-round programs are filled with discovery, from engaging STEAM projects to exciting enrichment activities.

We empower children to become independent thinkers and confident problem-solvers. Our teachers foster a culture of encouragement where students feel safe to explore, try new things, and succeed.

Our Enrichment Programs are Fun, too!

Soccer shots

Music

Sign Language

Dance

Foreign Language Classes (Spanish)

The objective is simple: your child’s happiness, wellness, and success.

Curriculum and Classes in Chadds Ford: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core educational philosophy at Willowdale Children's Academy?

Our philosophy is centered on the belief that children learn best through play. We use a proprietary, play-based curriculum that is designed to be fun, engaging, and appropriately challenging for every age group. This approach helps foster curiosity, independence, and a genuine love for learning.

What does it mean that your curriculum is STEAM-based?

Our curriculum integrates STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Through hands-on, project-based learning, we encourage children to explore, think critically, and solve problems creatively. This method provides a well-rounded education and prepares them for future academic challenges.

What age groups do your programs serve?

We offer high-quality early learning education for children from as young as six weeks through Pre-Kindergarten. Additionally, we provide before and after-care options for school-age children from kindergarten to third grade, as well as engaging summer camp programs.

Are the teachers at Willowdale certified?

Yes, all of our teachers are certified professionals in Early Childhood Education. They share a passion for child development and are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can succeed.

What makes your curriculum stand out?

In addition to our play-based STEAM focus, we incorporate award-winning programs such as Learning Without Tears® to develop strong kindergarten readiness. Our curriculum is also adaptable, enabling our teachers to tailor lessons to each child’s individual progress and needs.

Do you have specialized programs for infants and toddlers?

Absolutely. We provide dedicated programs for infants and toddlers that focus on critical early development milestones. Our caring teachers create a supportive environment that promotes the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of our youngest students.

What enrichment programs do you offer?

To ensure a diverse and comprehensive experience, we offer a variety of complementary enrichment activities. We offer our popular Soccer Shots, Music, Sign Language, Foreign Language Classes (Spanish), and Dance.

What are your class sizes?

We are committed to maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios in every classroom. This ensures that each child receives significant individual attention and personalized support from our teachers, helping them to thrive.

Are there flexible enrollment options available?

Yes, we understand that families have diverse needs. We offer a range of flexible options, including full-time, part-time, and half-day enrollment. Our year-round programs and before/after-care services are designed to accommodate your family’s schedule.

How does your program prepare children for Kindergarten?

Our entire curriculum is structured to ensure a smooth and successful transition into Kindergarten. By building a strong foundation in STEAM, literacy, and math, while also nurturing social skills, self-confidence, and critical thinking, we equip our students with the essential tools for lifelong learning and success.

Visit Our School in Chadds Ford!

Ready to see the Willowdale difference for yourself? We welcome your family to visit our academy, meet our wonderful staff, and see why we are a community-trusted choice for early childhood education.

Location:

10 Ponds Edge Dr Chadds Ford, PA 19317

Hours:

Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Contact Us to Book Your Tour:


Call: 484.770.8490
Email: chaddsford@willowdalechildrens.com

Contact Us Today

Ready to give your child the best start in life?

Schedule a Tour Now

Meet our incredible teachers, explore our classrooms, and see why families across the community trust us with their child’s early education.