Jan. 4, 2024

Apple Tree Child Care Centers will continue to operate at least until the end of February while the owner sorts through options that could keep them open.

Owner Randy Stewart said he’s working through multiple potential deals involving the four centers. Apple Tree West will stay open regardless, as business owner Pete Nelson has agreed to take over that operation.

In a statement to parents, Stewart said he is continuing discussions with several parties interested in long-term operation of the centers.

“We are optimistic that one or more appropriate entities will emerge soon,” he said. “Our hope is that most of the centers will continue to be available for the care of your children. We are extending operations until Feb. 29, 2024, in an effort to provide additional time for discussions to reach resolution.”

Apple Tree had announced in December that Jan. 11 would be the last day for the centers.

“So far we haven’t lost hardly any staff,” Stewart said. “We’ve had a lot of parents look around and come back.”

Apple Tree owner: Multiple conversations in play to keep centers open