Apple Tree Learning Centers was established as a private childcare/preschool in 1998.  Originally named Stowe Kids Company, the name was changed in 2001 when Apple Tree Learning Centers built an addition to expand its space at 1056 Mountain Road, and opened a new kindergarten program.  In 2002 Apple Tree Learning Centers created a new infant center at 135 Luce Hill Road, and also initiated programs for school-aged children including our Apple Tree Discovery Program.  In recent years, Apple Tree Discovery has expanded our programs for school aged children to include After School, Summer Camp, and Vacation Adventure.   The newest program is our Saturday Pre-school.  After 8 1/2 years of growth, Apple Tree Learning Centers strives to develop and introduce programs that best serve the needs of the greater Stowe community and the families who visit the area. 

As part of our ongoing effort to insure that Apple Tree Learning Centers meets or exceeds the highest professional standards, we recently completed a very thorough application and review process and were awarded NAEYC Accreditation, a national recognition of excellence. 

Philosophy

At Apple Tree Learning Centers we believe that play is a child’s response to life.  This belief guides our curriculum-based programs.  In order to successfully teach a young child we must use a play based curriculum to encourage meaningful learning opportunities. Our caring and well-trained staff is dedicated to fostering each aspect of a child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, dependent on each child’s interests and needs.   The goals of all our programs are to support each child in the learning process and to encourage self-confidence, expression and love.  Our programs are developed to provide an all-encompassing educational environment in which each child can succeed.  We strive to prepare a child for real life experiences and help each child grow more aware of all he/she is capable of achieving.

Our safe and warm learning environments are organized and structured to provide a wide variety of worthwhile experiences and to allow a child to pursue a multitude of self-chosen activities. A child given a variety of choices will gain a greater sense of responsibility, independence and accomplishment.   We also encourage appropriate behavior and manners by being consistent and positive role models ourselves and by utilizing positive reinforcement and redirection opportunities.

Staff

We are proud of our highly qualified staff.  At least one teacher in each room has a degree in early childhood education or a CDA.  All of our staff continually participates in seminars and training to maintain and enhance their education, as well as to fulfill state requirement for licensed centers.  All staff is CPR and First Aid Certified.  Each classroom has at least one full time teacher.  Our Infant program and Toddler rooms have three teachers.  The Preschools have two full time teachers depending on the number of children in attendance.  Occasionally substitute teachers will work with us.  Most have degrees in early childhood education, related fields, or are working to obtain a degree. 

Our teachers develop weekly activity plans and organize child-centered and child-initiated curricula using a thematic approach.  Thematic teaching enhances learning by allowing children to make connections among various experiences during a school day.  Our themes are integrated into many of our activities through art, dramatic play, snacks, songs and finger play.

 Classroom Organization

Apple Tree Learning Centers serves children from 7 weeks through 12 years of age.  Our Infant Center serves children form 7 weeks to 12 month old.  It is housed in a separate facility with its own playground and access to the Stowe Recreation Path.  Our main center has two large playgrounds and one small playground.  It affords direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path, and large lawn space for running and playing games.  Our main center is home to six programs.  Toddler I includes children from 12 months to 2 years old.  Toddler II includes children from 2 years to 36 months.  We have two pre school programs. Preschool Level I includes 3-yr. and early 4-yr. olds.  Level II (our pre-K program) includes 4-yr. olds, and early 5-yr. olds.  Our Kindergarten Program supplements the public school Kindergarten with AM and PM sessions.  Our After School program serves children 6 yrs. and up.  Apple Tree Discovery programs host summer camp, vacation camps and a variety of outdoor adventures off site for children 5 to 12 years old. 

Student Teacher Ratios

    Apple Tree Learning Centers believes in quality programming.  In order to ensure the most attentive classroom environment our student/ teacher ratios fall well below the state guidelines. 

Our student/teacher ratios are as follows:  Infants: 3:1, Toddlers: 3:1, three-year olds: 7:1, four-year olds: 8:1, five-year. olds: 8:1, After School: avg. 8:1, max.12:1.