Sioux Falls businessman will keep one Apple Tree childcare location open

Trevor J. Mitchell, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·2 min read
Pre-school children listen to a story at Apple Tree Children's Center in 2019.

One of four Apple Tree Children's Centers locations that were announced to be closing early next year will remain open after the organization's former executive director agreed to take it on, according to a press release.

Apple Tree Children's Center West, located at 6400 W. 43rd St., will officially change ownership on Jan. 15, 2024, retaining the current staff, director and families served.

Local businessman Pete Nelson has agreed to take on the business' financial responsibility, the release said, noting that Nelson served as the executive director of Apple Tree Children's Centers 13 years ago.

“I’d like to thank the Stewart family for their support and generosity during this time of transition,” said Nelson.

More: Four Sioux Falls childcare centers shutting down early next year

“I am overjoyed to be able to keep the center going,” said Director Amy Hauff, who has been in the role since 2018 and with Apple Tree since 2001, said in the release. “The children we serve and their families mean the world to all of us, and we’re so thankful for the opportunity to continue serving them.”

The news comes shortly after the announcement last week that Apple Tree would be closing all four of their childcare centers in Sioux Falls no later than Jan. 12, 2024, citing staff shortages, inflation and occupancy costs that had led to significant financial losses.

Apple Tree Children's Centers' four locations had just over 800 licensed childcare slots, and Hauff said in an interview that Apple Tree west was licensed for 270 of them.

However, she added, they'll be trying to assist as many of the other displaced families as they can, as well as hiring on staff from the other three centers, which could increase the center's capacity.

The release says that Apple Tree West has available spots, and that interested families may visit the facility for a tour.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls businessman will keep one Apple Tree childcare location open