Where Your Child Becomes Part of Our Family
Trusted in-home childcare in Fort Wayne for over 26 years. Ages 6 weeks to 6 years across three dedicated locations.
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Our Programs
Age-appropriate care and learning across three dedicated locations
Infant & Toddler Care
6 Weeks – 2 Years
3719 Marchfield Place, Fort Wayne
Your little one's earliest milestones happen here — in a warm, nurturing space built around sensory play, gentle routines, and the individual attention every baby deserves.
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Preschool
2 – 4 Years
9515 Spurwood Court, Fort Wayne
Your toddler will explore, create, and build friendships in a structured yet playful environment designed to spark curiosity and develop social skills.
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Pre-Kindergarten
3 – 6 Years
9540 Spurwood Court, Fort Wayne
Getting ready for the big day. Our Pre-K program builds the confidence, independence, and academic foundation your child needs to walk into kindergarten prepared.
Learn MoreA Day at Apple Jacks
Structure, learning, and play — every single day
Every day at Apple Jacks follows a consistent schedule your child can count on. From morning circle time to afternoon crafts, we believe consistency is the foundation of growth. And with Brightwheel, you can follow along every step of the way.
Welcome & Morning Free Play
A warm welcome to start the day — free play and morning TV as everyone arrives and settles in.
Breakfast & Morning Routine
A nutritious USDA breakfast, followed by clean-up, hand washing, and storytime to ease into the morning.
Free Play & Care Routines
Unstructured play while teachers handle diaper changes, restroom breaks, and classroom tidy-up.
Circle Time
House rules, show & tell, and group circle time — building listening skills and community one morning at a time.
Activity & Outdoor Play
Morning structured activity, free time, and outdoor play — fresh air and movement whenever the weather allows.
Story Time
A calm, imaginative wind-down before lunch with stories and restroom breaks to regroup.
Lunch
Prayer, hand washing, and a balanced USDA meal — with a little storytime to close out the morning together.
Clean-Up & Nap Prep
Post-lunch tidy-up, restroom breaks, and getting settled and ready for rest.
Nap & Quiet Time
Rest and recharge — because growing is hard work. Children nap or rest quietly.
Wake-Up & Care Routines
Sleeping bags away, diaper changes, and restroom breaks as everyone wakes up at their own pace.
Afternoon Snack
Hand washing and a healthy USDA snack to power through the rest of the day.
Free Play & Outdoor Time
Open-ended play, outdoor time when possible, and water available throughout.
Songs & Storytime
Winding down with songs, stories, and a calm routine as families begin arriving for pick-up.
Pick-Up & Wind-Down
Quiet TV time and relaxed play as the day wraps up and children head home with their families.
Follow your child's entire day in real time through Brightwheel — photos, meals, naps, and milestones sent straight to your phone.
Why Families Choose Apple Jacks
You'll Never Feel Left in the Dark
We communicate the good, the bad, and everything in between — because your child's day matters to you as much as it does to us. Through Brightwheel, you'll see photos, meals, and real-time updates all day long.
Licensed, Certified, and Thoroughly Vetted
Every staff member is CPR certified, background-checked, and fingerprinted. All three of our locations are state licensed and inspected 3-6 times per year.
Small Groups, Big Attention
With a maximum of 16 children per location, your child is never a number. Our in-home setting means personalized care, genuine relationships, and the attention every child deserves.
Structure They Can Count On
We follow our daily schedule down to the minute. Consistency is the foundation of everything we do — and after 26 years, we've seen children thrive because of it.
A Second Home, Not a Facility
Apple Jacks started as a home — and it still feels like one. We don't just care for your child for 8 hours a day. We build a relationship with your entire family.
Spotless, Every Single Day
Sixteen kids bring a lot of energy — and a lot of germs. That's why we do thorough daily cleaning at every location to keep everyone healthy and our facilities in top condition.
Meet the People Who Care for Your Child
Qualified, caring, and passionate about every child who walks through our doors
Austin Krider
Director & Owner
Born into Apple Jacks, now leading it forward — Austin has kept the heart of this family business while building something even stronger.
Caelan Krider
Manager
Five years, three locations, one mission — Caelan knows Apple Jacks inside and out.
Miss Shalin
Infant & Toddler Head Teacher
A compassionate leader who treats every baby as one of her own.
What Parents Are Saying
"Apple Jacks has been such a great experience for our family. The staff are unbelievable — they truly treat my son like their own. They keep him on a schedule, accommodate all my requests, and even reached out to check on us when he was sick. The communication is top notch, and I love checking the app throughout my workday to see pictures and updates. We couldn't be more thankful. HIGHLY recommend."
Savannah Buck
Google Review
"We absolutely LOVE Apple Jacks! It is a great place to send your kids whether you have a newborn, toddler, or almost Pre-K. We love the app for daily updates!"
Kate Claxton
Google Review
"Applejacks is an awesome daycare. I can't say enough good things about them! The teachers are great with kids, and the fact that they have little turnover tells you how well they treat their staff. I can't recommend them enough!"
Ashley Benvenuti
Google Review
"We love Apple Jacks! The staff is friendly and helpful. My daughter has learned so much and will be well prepared for Kindergarten. Highly recommend."
Sarah Homan
Google Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Your Child's Second Home is Waiting
Have questions? We'd love to hear from you.
Contact UsTrusted by Fort Wayne Families Since 1998