Childcare & Preschool | Willowdale Children's Academy
Welcome to Willowdale Children’s Academy in Chadds Ford! We provide a safe, enjoyable, and stimulating environment where children are eager to learn. As a Keystone Star 4-accredited school, we are committed to delivering a high-quality, play-based education that equips young children for kindergarten and beyond. We encourage you to tour our school, meet our certified teachers, and find a second home for your family.
“Thank You for setting standards that exceed normal expectations.”
By Jennifer V.
At Willowdale Children’s Academy, we believe that children thrive when learning is enjoyable. Our curriculum is crafted to ignite curiosity and foster confidence, ensuring your child looks forward to coming to school each day. We turn learning into an exciting journey.
“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















Since opening in 2012, our Chadds Ford location has been a nationally recognized Early Learning Center, serving children from 6 weeks old through Pre-Kindergarten. Our year-round programs are packed with opportunities for discovery, from hands-on STEAM projects to engaging enrichment activities.
We inspire children to become independent thinkers and confident problem-solvers. Our teachers cultivate an environment of encouragement where students feel secure to explore, experiment, and achieve.
Our goal is simple: your child’s happiness, well-being, and success.
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that children learn best through play. We implement a proprietary, play-based curriculum that is fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for every age group. This approach nurtures curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our curriculum incorporates STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Through hands-on, project-based learning, we inspire children to explore, think critically, and solve problems creatively. This approach ensures a well-rounded education and prepares them for future academic success.
We provide high-quality early learning education for children as young as six weeks through Pre-Kindergarten. Additionally, we offer before and after-care programs for school-age children from kindergarten to third grade, as well as exciting summer camp options.
Yes, all of our teachers are certified professionals in Early Childhood Education. They are passionate about child development and committed to fostering a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.
In addition to our play-based STEAM emphasis, we integrate award-winning programs like Learning Without Tears® to build strong kindergarten readiness. Our curriculum is also flexible, allowing teachers to adapt lessons to each child’s unique progress and needs.
Absolutely. We have dedicated programs for infants and toddlers that focus on essential early developmental milestones. Our compassionate teachers create a supportive environment that fosters social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth for our youngest learners.
To provide a well-rounded and engaging experience, we offer a variety of enrichment activities, including Soccer Shots, Music, Sign Language, Foreign Language Classes (Spanish), and Dance.
We prioritize maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios in every classroom. This ensures that each child receives personalized attention and support, helping them thrive academically and socially.
Yes, we recognize that families have varying needs. We provide flexible options, including full-time, part-time, and half-day enrollment. Our year-round programs and before/after-care services are designed to fit your family’s schedule.
Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure a seamless and successful transition to Kindergarten. By focusing on STEAM, literacy, and math, while fostering social skills, confidence, and critical thinking, we equip children with the tools they need for lifelong learning and achievement.
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.
10 Ponds Edge Dr Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Monday – Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Call: 484.770.8490
Email: chaddsford@willowdalechildrens.com