Apple Playschools began as a small program of 12 children and has continued to grow and grow and grow. After three years running a Waldorf-inspired home daycare, Kate VanHorn founded Green Apple Garden Playschool in 2011. With a passion for social justice and a degree in Women’s Studies, Kate wanted to include a Spanish Immersion preschool to foster cultural sensitivity in the community. She also wanted to meet the needs of working families by offering flexible, full time childcare.
Thus, Manzanitas began as a three morning preschool within Green Apple Garden, a Waldorf-inspired child care program. The demand for Spanish Immersion Preschool was high, and after only 5 months, Kate signed the lease for a second building. Green Apple Garden Playschool, now having its building full-time was able to really grow its preschool programming and unique identity. Manzanitas was also able to expand and articulate its programming within its own building.
In 2014, after consistent feedback from staff and families alike, Apple Playschools became a non-profit organization. A volunteer Board of Directors was created and in September 2014 officially became the charter Board of Directors. Our Board consists of a combination of program parents, former program parents, community members and seeks to be a diverse representation of the constituents of the Apple Playschools community.
Many “founding employees,” trailblazing, amazing people contributed to the unlikely early success of Apple Playschools including Amanda Lodge, Katie Chappell-Lakin, Nuola Akinde, Moonbeam Frey, Ileana Ramos, Janet Latting Caballero, Silvia Merlo and Cheryl Rivera. Without the dedication and endurance of this talented and driven group of people, Apple Playschools would not have made it through the early years.
Thus, Manzanitas began as a three morning preschool within Green Apple Garden, a Waldorf-inspired child care program. The demand for Spanish Immersion Preschool was high, and after only 5 months, Kate signed the lease for a second building. Green Apple Garden Playschool, now having its building full-time was able to really grow its preschool programming and unique identity. Manzanitas was also able to expand and articulate its programming within its own building.
In 2014, after consistent feedback from staff and families alike, Apple Playschools became a non-profit organization. A volunteer Board of Directors was created and in September 2014 officially became the charter Board of Directors. Our Board consists of a combination of program parents, former program parents, community members and seeks to be a diverse representation of the constituents of the Apple Playschools community.
Many “founding employees,” trailblazing, amazing people contributed to the unlikely early success of Apple Playschools including Amanda Lodge, Katie Chappell-Lakin, Nuola Akinde, Moonbeam Frey, Ileana Ramos, Janet Latting Caballero, Silvia Merlo and Cheryl Rivera. Without the dedication and endurance of this talented and driven group of people, Apple Playschools would not have made it through the early years.
Green Apple Garden Lower Playschool |
Green Apple Garden Upper Playschool |
Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool |
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Laura Wolfe, Director
734-773-3182 2664 Miller Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 |
Brandi Siemers, Director
734-369-6563 511 Miller Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 |
Leticia Diaz-Gonzalez, Director
734-975-9104 2626 Packard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
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YES! I want to build a better world through early education!
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