The Apple Tree Learning Centers
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.4 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Quality First rating of Level 4 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Arizona's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Arizona caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:15. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 18 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Quality First Level 4 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- 202
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 Not Regulated Toddlers 1:6 Not Regulated Preschool 1:15 Not Regulated
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 8 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (7) and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1). None of the 8 findings were critical.
See All 8 Inspection Visits
Jul 11, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Annual Compliance Inspection and the Monitor to The…Compliance (Annual) Monitoring
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Annual Compliance Inspection and the Monitor to the Enforcement conducted on 7/11/25, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. The Compliance Officer provided the facility with a paper copy of the Notice of Inspection Rights at the start of the inspection. A full inspection was conducted at this time. 2 of 2 fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website during the time of the inspe
May 29, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Purpose of the Inspection Was to Conduct a Complaint Investigation for Case #00131901 on 5/29/25Complaint
The purpose of the inspection was to conduct a complaint investigation for case #00131901 on 5/29/25. A full inspection was not conducted at this time. Ratios observed were: Infants - 2:5 Young Ones - 1:4 Older Ones - 1:6 Twos - 1:8 Threes - 1:9 Fours/Fives - 1:12 There were 10 staff members interviewed during this investigation. There was 1 staff file reviewed during this investigation. Others interviewed: Complainant Upon completion of the complaint investigation, it was d
Sep 9, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Follow Up to a Provider Meeting Monitoring Inspection…Monitoring
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the follow up to a Provider Meeting monitoring inspection conducted on 09/09/2024, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Note: A full inspection was not conducted. Compliance Officer: Amanda Valenzuela Fire inspection - expires 8/28/25 Please complete the Plan of Corrections via the online Portal within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. Items discussed, but not limited to, were: -Ensuring a
Jul 15, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 7/15/24, and Are Subject To…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on 7/15/24, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. 2 of 2 fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website during the time of the inspection. Compliance Officer #1: Amanda Valenzuela Compliance Officer #2: Ryan Mapes Please complete the Plan of Corrections via the online Portal within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. The Empower
Mar 12, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Purpose of the Inspection Was to Conduct a Complaint Investigation for Case # 00079286 on March 12, 2024Complaint
The purpose of the inspection was to conduct a complaint investigation for case # 00079286 on March 12, 2024. A full inspection was not conducted at this time. Compliance Officer 1: Laurie McKenna Compliance Officer 2: Brenda Alubowicz Ratios observed were: Staff : Children Infants: 1 : 4 One Year Olds: 1 : 6 Two Year Olds : 1 : 8 Two Year Olds: 2 : 8 Three Year Olds: 1 : 8 Four Year Olds: 1 : 13 There w
Sep 20, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Complaint Inspection Conducted on September 20, 2023, and Are…Complaint
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the Complaint inspection conducted on September 20, 2023, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer 1: Laurie McKenna Compliance Officer Supervisor: Lisa Emery The purpose of the inspection was to conduct a complaint investigation for case #00063696. A full inspection was not conducted at this time. Ratios observed were: Teacher/Caregivers : Children Infants: 2 : 8 Ones:
Sep 5, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Complaint Inspection Conducted on September 5, 2023, and Are…Complaint
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the Complaint inspection conducted on September 5, 2023, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer 1: Laurie McKenna Compliance Officer 2: Amanda Valenzuela The purpose of the inspection was to conduct a complaint investigation for case #00063152 on September 5, 2023. Compliance Officer 1: Laurie McKenna Compliance Officer 2: Amanda Valenzuela A full inspection was not conducted at this time.
Aug 3, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on August 3, 2023, and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the Compliance inspection conducted on August 3, 2023, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer 1: Laurie McKenna A full inspection was conducted at this time. Two of two fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website during the time of the inspection. The Written Documentation of Corrections was not accepted at the time of the inspection. Please complete and retu