About Apple Lane

Main Site
2000 1st Ave NW
Austin MN 55912
(507)433-0070
Fax: (507)433-7812
Riverland
1900 8th Ave NW
Austin MN 55912
(507)433-0684



Mission Statement

Apple Lane Community Child Care Centers purpose is to provide quality, affordable, and reliable child care to families in the city of Austin, and the surrounding area.


Philosophy

Children attending Apple Lane experience learning in a growth fostering environment under the guidance of educated personel. Apple Lane strives to provide excellence in all areas of early education and care.


History

Apple Lane opened its doors in June, 1986, known as Apple Lane Child Care of St. Edward's. It started with 14 children and two classrooms. It was operated by four employees from the former Children's House which closed in the spring of 1986. The Montessori preschool and the Early preschool room were the two programs that started Apple Lane. The four co-directors were responsible for the decision making and planning of the program. Rent was paid to St. Edward's Catholic Church for the use of their facilities. The Church provided the child care center with insurance and did the building maintenance. Through the years the center grew to a licensed capacity of 60 children, 12 staff, and five classrooms. In the spring, 1997, the St. Edward's Church Board of Directors decided that it was not a priority for the Church to "be in the day care business" and negotiations ensued with the staff at Apple Lane. After negotiations, it was a very resound group decision among the staff and directors at the time that the child care operations remain open to continue to provide care for the 109 children served on a part-time, limited drop-in, summer care, and full-time basis from 97 families who attended Apple Lane of St. Edward's. The newly formed non-profit agency, Apple Lane Community Child Care Center, was created on October 29, 1997. In January 2006, Apple Lane expanded opened a second location at Riverland College. This site offers child care services to 52 children ages 6 weeks through age 5. This decision was made based on the need for toddler and infant care as well as the prevelant waiting list for preschool age children. Apple Lane made this transition when Austin Public Schools Kids Korner child care program made the decision to close its doors.