Apple Tree Academy
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Contact Information
📞 (573) 893-4712Reviews
Our family has very much appreciated the care and learning our children have received. Staff is knowledgeable and loving. Our children were ready for kindergarten, even reading. This is the BEST facility you could bring your children too.
This review is mostly concerning the enrichment program for 5 year olds. My grandson began coming home upset and not wanting to go back to preschool. He finally began telling us why. It began with having to do "wall-sits" for punishment. Wall sits!! really?? These are 4,5, and 6 year olds!!! This is an exercise to develop thigh strength, not to punish little ones. My high school students complain that they cannot even do them for 30 seconds, and this daycare has kids doing it? I am appalled, as any parent should be. The next little revelation involved having to wad up the food they didn't eat at lunch into a ball and then eat it!!! Please, do not send your children here!! Complaints to management were never addressed. The staff, except for one very nice young lady, are extremely rude, will not speak, pit children against each other, and hide their belongings from them. I'm afraid what my reaction would be to see one of these women in Walmart!! To encourage children to make fun of other kids is just teaching them to be bullies, which I feel the staff are. As far as the daycare for the younger kids, the staff is generally pleasant, but whole packages of diapers seem to "disappear" and babies are often picked up with heavy, heavy filled pants, many times with #2 DRIED on their rear end.
I do not know if the owner, Karen, is aware of all of this, if not, she should be. My complaint is going to the BBB as well as Social Services.
Please, consider these 2 comments when making the decision to leave your precious little ones in their care. Being a teacher and mother myself, I cried when I found out this disurbing behavior. My grandson was not making this up, as I talked to a staff member, who was very nice, and mentioned the wall sits, and she said, yes, I do not agree with doing those either, which verified to me that all the employees are aware of this type of corporal punishment. Thanks for reading.
I am very sad to say this is not a good place to leave children.
I am not one for leaving negative reviews because; I try to see the positive in everything. In this instance, it is concerning innocent children that are looking for a happy and healthy place to be when they can’t be at home with mom and dad or family members.
It is very disheartening to say this place is not a warm, welcoming, or loving place for kids.
I was very disappointed by the lack of willingness to make the kids feel welcome or even wanted. (Not to just my child but to all the children that are there) The staff is not at all enthusiastic about these kids being there or about what they do on a daily basis. The staff lurks around like they hate what they do and are completely miserable and annoyed (this being said, is truly an understatement)
The layout of the actual daycare looks fun but, if you have people that don’t want to be there and don’t like what they do, and are not passionate about any of the above then I can see why my older child did not want to go back. “They are not very nice to anyone” “They make fun of the kids” “Please don’t make me go back” are just some quotes from a 6 yr old. I was really looking forward to getting my child into Apple Tree but I had to get them out of there. As an adult I have encountered unpleasant behavior from the staff, myself. Apple Tree and Big top have the same owner so I would not recommend either.
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About the Provider
Hours of Operation
- Monday6:00 AM- 6:00 AM
- Tuesday6:00 AM- 6:00 AM
- Wednesday6:00 AM- 6:00 AM
- Thursday6:00 AM- 6:00 AM
- Friday6:00 AM- 6:00 AM
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday Closed
Inspection/Report History
Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.
| Report Date | Report Type | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-30 | COMPLIANCE MONITORING | No violations cited |
| 2026-01-15 | REINSPECTION | 1 violation cited |
|
Findings: 5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel Violation: Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff Amanda McManus. Her safe sleep training was expired on 1/10/2026. . Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (4) (A) . states: Every three (3) years, the child care provider, group child care home provider, child care staff members, and volunteers in a group child care home or child care center licensed to provide care for infants less than one (1) year of age shall successfully complete department-approved training regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep recommendations contained in the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on sleep-related infant deaths. The Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment, July 2022, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and available at https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022 or as published in PEDIATRICS Volume 150, Issue 1, July 2022. A copy can also be obtained from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood, 205 Jefferson Street, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and at https://dese.mo.gov/governmental-affairs/deseadministrativerules/incorporated-reference-materials. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. Correction Required: The director, group home provider, other caregivers, and those volunteers counted in staff/child ratio, shall complete department-approved safe sleep training as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation Compliance Date: 1/15/2026 |
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| 2026-01-13 | COMPLIANCE MONITORING | 2 violations cited |
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Findings: 5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel Violation: Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff Amanda McManus. Her safe sleep training was expired on 1/10/2026. . Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (4) (A) . states: Every three (3) years, the child care provider, group child care home provider, child care staff members, and volunteers in a group child care home or child care center licensed to provide care for infants less than one (1) year of age shall successfully complete department-approved training regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep recommendations contained in the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on sleep-related infant deaths. The Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment, July 2022, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and available at https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022 or as published in PEDIATRICS Volume 150, Issue 1, July 2022. A copy can also be obtained from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood, 205 Jefferson Street, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and at https://dese.mo.gov/governmental-affairs/deseadministrativerules/incorporated-reference-materials. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. Correction Required: The director, group home provider, other caregivers, and those volunteers counted in staff/child ratio, shall complete department-approved safe sleep training as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation 5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios Violation: Group size requirements were not met as evidenced by eighteen children, ages 2-5 years old, were cared for by two adult caregiver(s). Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios (1) (A) states: The staff/child ratio and group size shall be followed as outlined in the below chart unless it meets an exception in subparagraphs (1)(B)-(G) below: Infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds shall have one caregiver for every four children with no more than eight children per group; Groups composed solely of children 24 to 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 3 to 4 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; Groups composed solely of children 5 years or older shall have one caregiver for every 16 children with no more than 32 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of no more than four children age 2 years, and at least one child older than 3 years shall have one caregiver for every 10 children with no more than 20 children per group; A mixed group of children consisting of more than four children ages 24 to 36 months, and at least one child older than 36 months shall have one caregiver for every eight children with no more than 16 children per group. Correction Required: Staff/child ratios and group sizes shall be maintained at all times. Correction Verification: Corrected on Site Compliance Date: 1/13/2026 |
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| 2025-07-07 | COMPLIANCE MONITORING | No violations cited |
| 2025-01-29 | COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION | 2 violations cited |
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Findings: 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports Violation: The medical examination report on file for Chloe Olson was older than 12 months before the individual's begin date at the facility. Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (C) states: Medical examination reports shall be completed not more than twelve (12) months prior to beginning work in the facility and may be transferable to another child care facility for subsequent employment. Correction Required: Medical reports shall be on file as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation Compliance Date: 1/29/2025 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports Violation: A medical examination report included either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) which was completed more than 12 months before beginning work in the facility for the following staff: Chloe Olson . Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) . states: Medical examination reports shall include either a Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, completed and signed by a health care professional, or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) completed not more than twelve (12) months before beginning work in the facility. The Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, revised March 2014, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and available by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tuberculosis/tbmanual/pdf/RiskAssessmentform.pdf. If the person has signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, or risk factors for tuberculosis, then testing for tuberculosis shall occur. Correction Required: Medical examination reports shall include Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis forms or negative tuberculin skin test (TST) as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation Compliance Date: 1/29/2025 |
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| 2025-01-08 | COMPLIANCE MONITORING | 2 violations cited |
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Findings: 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports Violation: The medical examination report on file for Chloe Olson was older than 12 months before the individual's begin date at the facility. Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (C) states: Medical examination reports shall be completed not more than twelve (12) months prior to beginning work in the facility and may be transferable to another child care facility for subsequent employment. Correction Required: Medical reports shall be on file as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports Violation: A medical examination report included either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) which was completed more than 12 months before beginning work in the facility for the following staff: Chloe Olson . Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) . states: Medical examination reports shall include either a Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, completed and signed by a health care professional, or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) completed not more than twelve (12) months before beginning work in the facility. The Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, revised March 2014, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and available by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tuberculosis/tbmanual/pdf/RiskAssessmentform.pdf. If the person has signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, or risk factors for tuberculosis, then testing for tuberculosis shall occur. Correction Required: Medical examination reports shall include Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis forms or negative tuberculin skin test (TST) as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation |
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| 2024-06-05 | COMPLIANCE MONITORING | No violations cited |
| 2024-02-22 | COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION | 1 violation cited |
|
Findings: 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers Violation: The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by peeling paint was found on the following playground equipment: a bird house, a red/blue play house and a John Deer tractor. Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 4. states: The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage. Correction Required: The outdoor play area shall be clean, safe and well-maintained as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation Compliance Date: 2/22/2024 |
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| 2024-01-04 | COMPLIANCE MONITORING | 4 violations cited |
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Findings: 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers Violation: Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: two phone cables and a mouth wash. The item(s) was/were located in the teacher's cabinet drawer, that was unlocked. The items were removed during the inspection. Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (I) states: All flammable liquids, matches, cleaning supplies, poisonous materials, medicines, alcoholic beverages, hazardous personal care items or other hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children. Correction Required: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children. Correction Verification: Corrected on Site Compliance Date: 1/4/2024 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers Violation: A clear glass door was not marked plainly at varying heights as evidenced by the emergency exit door in a 1 year old classroom had not been clearly marked at varying heights to avoid impact. During the inspection the teachers placed several children's pictures on the door. A Plexiglas wall divider was not marked, but after the nap the round table usually stands infront of it, so there is no hazard of impact for children . Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 3. states: Clear glass doors shall be marked plainly at varying heights to avoid impact. Correction Required: Clear glass doors shall be marked as required. Correction Verification: Corrected on Site Compliance Date: 1/4/2024 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers Violation: The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by peeling paint was found on the following playground equipment: a bird house, a red/blue play house and a John Deer tractor. Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 4. states: The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage. Correction Required: The outdoor play area shall be clean, safe and well-maintained as required. Correction Verification: Submit Documentation 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers Violation: Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: charging cables for two computers and other electronic devices . The item(s) was/were located under the table in the school age loft. It was removed /hidden behind the shelve during the inspection. Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (I) states: All flammable liquids, matches, cleaning supplies, poisonous materials, medicines, alcoholic beverages, hazardous personal care items or other hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children. Correction Required: Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children. Correction Verification: Corrected on Site Compliance Date: 1/4/2024 |
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| 2023-03-03 | POST LICENSING | |
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