7 Essential Facts About Cadence Academy Puyallup Washington: Curriculum, Security, And 2025 Program Updates

Cadence Academy Preschool, Puyallup: Facility Profile

The search for high-quality early childhood education is a top priority for parents in Pierce County, Washington, and Cadence Academy Preschool in Puyallup consistently appears on the shortlist. As of late 2025, this facility continues to be a key provider of daycare, preschool, and pre-K programs, known for its commitment to a nurturing environment and a research-based educational approach. The school is part of the larger Cadence Education family, which emphasizes a blend of academic preparation and socio-emotional development for young learners.

This comprehensive guide provides the most current, essential information about the Puyallup campus, including its specific programs, accreditation status, and the dedicated team that manages its daily operations, all to help families make an informed decision about their child’s formative years.

• Location: 9903 168th St E, Puyallup, WA 98375
• Phone: 253-881-6900
• Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Ages Served: 4 weeks (Infant Care) through 5 years (Preschool/Pre-K)
• Accreditation Status: Nationally Accredited by the National Association of Young Children (NAEYC)
• State Participation: Washington State Early Achievers Participant
• Current Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (Based on 31 Parent Reviews)
• Key Leadership: School Director Alysha Storey, Assistant Director Gabriela Vargas

1. The Foundation: NAEYC Accreditation and Washington State Early Achievers

Choosing a childcare provider is often simplified by looking at accreditation, and Cadence Academy Preschool in Puyallup holds two significant distinctions that confirm its commitment to quality. The center is nationally accredited through the National Association of Young Children (NAEYC), one of the most prestigious and rigorous accrediting organizations in the United States.

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NAEYC accreditation signifies that the school meets high standards for curriculum, teacher qualifications, health, and safety. This level of quality assurance is a crucial factor for parents seeking the best possible environment for their child’s early development.

Furthermore, the Puyallup facility is a participant in the Washington State Early Achievers program. This state-specific quality rating and improvement system provides coaching and resources to early learning professionals, ensuring the care provided supports each child's learning and development, preparing them for success in school and life. These dual accreditations offer families peace of mind regarding the educational and safety standards.

2. Emergent and Research-Based Curriculum

The core educational philosophy at the Puyallup campus is centered around an emergent curriculum. This approach moves away from a rigid, one-size-fits-all model, instead focusing on the individual strengths, interests, and developmental needs of each child within the classroom.

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The curriculum is entirely research-based, with teachers incorporating daily observation and assessment into their weekly planning. This means that activities are constantly adapted to meet the specific needs of the children, promoting a truly individualized learning experience. Key developmental areas covered include:

• Literacy and Language: Building foundational skills for reading and writing through stories and rhymes.
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math): Hands-on activities in Art, Science, Math, and Technology.
• Socio-Emotional Development: Focusing on skills like self-confidence, independence, kindness, empathy, and patience.
• Physical Growth: Incorporating fitness, stretching, and activities that develop both gross and fine motor skills.

For the youngest learners (30 to 42 months), the "Early Preschool" class utilizes a unique, indicator-based curriculum called Learn as We Grow™, which focuses on understanding routines and developing independence as a stepping stone to the main Preschool program.

3. Comprehensive Programs from Infant to School-Age

Cadence Academy Puyallup offers a full spectrum of programs designed to support children through their most critical developmental stages. This comprehensive range ensures continuity of care and education as a child grows from an infant to a school-age student.

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Infant and Toddler Care (Ages 4 Weeks to 24 Months)

The Infant Care program is designed to make the first transition away from home natural and easy, providing a nurturing place for the youngest students. The Toddler Care program focuses on important early milestones and "self-help" learning skills, such as hand washing, putting away toys, and forming first friendships.

Preschool and Pre-K (Ages 2 to 5 Years)

The Preschool program utilizes hands-on activities to build foundational skills for reading, writing, math, and science. The Pre-K Program, often called the Pre-K and Kindergarten Club, is specifically structured to ensure students are ready to "THRIVE in Kindergarten and beyond," providing an academic-based approach to prepare them for the rigors of elementary school.

Flexible and School-Age Options

Understanding the varied needs of modern families, the academy offers a School Age Program for children aged 5 to 12, providing before and after school care, as well as full-day programs during school breaks and Summer Camps. A unique offering is the FlexiPass, a flexible care option that allows families to purchase five prepaid days of care to use whenever needed, without a long-term commitment or registration fees, perfect for last-minute schedule changes or grandparents cancelling.

4. The Power of Parent Partnership and Communication

A cornerstone of the Cadence Academy philosophy is the belief that early learning is relationship-based, requiring a strong partnership between the school and home. The Puyallup team is committed to meaningful communication, ensuring parents are never left wondering about their child’s day.

Parents regularly receive updates, which often include:

• Daily activities and meal information.
• Diaper change logs for infants.
• Cute photo updates throughout the day.
• Weekly emails, progress reports, and classroom newsletters.

This open line of communication, championed by Director Alysha Storey and Assistant Director Gabriela Vargas, helps to establish the trusting relationships necessary for a child to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

5. Regional Context: Distinguishing the Puyallup Campus

In the regional context of Pierce County, it is essential for families to be aware of the specific location of the Cadence Academy Preschool they are researching. While the Puyallup campus is located at 9903 168th St E, another Cadence Academy facility in the broader area (specifically in Parkland/South Tacoma) faced significant challenges in mid-2024 related to loitering, public drug use, and a suspected break-in due to its proximity to a corridor notorious for homelessness.

This recent event, which caused a temporary closure of the affected building, highlights the importance of facility location and security measures. The Puyallup school, operating at its distinct address, presents a modern, security-controlled facility in a family-friendly neighborhood, which is a key factor for many parents. The commitment of the regional leadership, including Regional Director Samantha Navarro, to prioritizing the well-being of the children is clear across all locations, but parents are encouraged to visit the specific Puyallup location to assess its unique environment and security protocols.

6. The Dedicated Teaching and Leadership Team

The success of any early learning center rests on the quality of its staff. The Puyallup team is led by School Director Alysha Storey, who brings a passion for early childhood education and a background that grew from teacher to assistant director and then director. Assistant Director Gabriela Vargas also brings extensive experience, having started in the field in 2017 and progressing through various educator roles.

A notable recognition for the Puyallup team is Laura Foutz Acosta, who has been recognized as a Teacher of the Year. She has worked in early childhood education for four years, three of which have been at the Puyallup center. The collective experience and dedication of the team are frequently cited in parent reviews, with many describing the environment as feeling "more like a family than it does a daycare."

7. Fostering Confidence and a Lifelong Love of Learning

Ultimately, the goal of Cadence Academy Preschool in Puyallup is to provide a comprehensive educational experience that nurtures the whole child—intellectually, physically, socially, creatively, and emotionally. By focusing on small group lessons, center-based play, and encouraging "small wins," the curriculum is designed to build confidence and instill a lifelong love of learning.

The environment is intentionally home-like and comfortable, which helps reduce tension and makes the transition from home to school easier for young children. The combination of NAEYC-accredited standards, a flexible and responsive curriculum, and a dedicated team of educators makes Cadence Academy Preschool a distinguished choice for families seeking high-quality daycare in Puyallup, WA.