Our Mission
To provide each child a safe, nurturing, secure, educational, and enriching christian environment that fosters a love of learning and positive self esteem. We believe that through support, individual attention, and recognition we are building the foundation necessary for a lifetime of learning.
At Rising Stars we are always "Reaching for a bright future!"
Handbook Updated
(SUMMER 2009)
Parent Handbook
Enrollment Process- Program information is provided to parents upon request. Admission process is based on: Space availability, and completion of all required enrollment forms and fees. Copies of personal documentation must be received by R.S. within 5 business days after the enrollment process is complete. Rising Stars Policy is listed within this document are detailed and given to parents upon signing the enrollment agreement. In the event that a child is absent for two (2) consecutive weeks without proper notification to R.S. He/She will be considered withdrawn. If withdrawal from R.S becomes necessary, the parent should provide written notification to R.S. at least 1 Month in advance. All tuition and any other fees incurred will be due payable within this 1 Month period. No portion of tuition, registration paid, or fees will be refunded. To Re-enroll all normal procedures and fees will apply. Occasionally, a child is unable to adjust to the environment and dismissal from the program becomes necessary. In this situation R.S and staff will make every effort reasonable to accommodate the child and family. R.S. reserves the right to dismiss students from enrollment at Rising Stars’ sole discretion.
Security- Due to our program being in-home we will keep the doors locked during business hours for safety to our children and ourselves. We welcome enrolled parents anytime during business hours.
Tuition & Fees- Rates are payable whether or not your child is here. All care is paid in advance. Tuition can be paid by Cash, Check, or money order. Payment is due the first day of the month before 5:00pm. If payment has not been made by the 3rd day by 5:00Pm a $50.00 late fee will be billed. If payment is not made (including all late fees), and we haven't heard from you Rising Stars will deny care on the following day your child is scheduled to attend. If holiday falls on the first, then payment will be under same terms on the day before the holiday (Unless you are paying online).
Childcare rates are based on enrollment and not attendance. Parents must pay tuition prior to taking time off, due to personal issues, vacations, spending time with another relative, and holidays, If time taken off falls within scheduled payment day.
At Rising Stars, you must pay per “position” which means that the slot is held just for your child and is not based on attendance. There will be NO refunds or adjustments made to your childcare fee for your time missed due to illness, holidays, or days off. A place has been reserved for your child and cannot be filled on a short term basis.
Pick Up Times & Late Fees- Returned Checks will be charged a $35.00 processing fee. Non-Payment of tuition or any outstanding incurred fees will result in dismissal of program.
Late Pick-up fees will be charged a $5.00 fee for up to every 5 minutes late. If you are 15 minutes late OR more a $25.00 fee will be due payable at time of pickup. Late fees will be waived only at owners discretion.
Hours of operation are based on Parents work schedule.
My child will be attending ___________ each week. My child will be dropped off at ____ am and picked up by _____ pm. If they are dropped off later or picked up earlier than the times stated, the rate is the same. If they are dropped off earlier or picked up later than the scheduled times, a late fee will be charged.
Prices & Fees-
Program Fee- $150.00 (Annually)
*Breakfast, Lunch, & PM Snacks are served Daily & are included in tuition* (Infants under 12 months are required to bring age appropriate meals to school each day, unless they are eating table food)
Supplies to Bring
Potty Trained Child
(1) Vinyl Nap mat (labeled w/first & last name)
(1) package of flushable wipes
((2) Changes of weather appropriate clothes*
(1) Blanket
(1)Small Pillow
(1) Soft Nap toy
*Change of Clothes need to include*
*Underwear
*Shirt (does not have to be uniform shirt)
*Pants/shorts
*Socks
*Shoes(optional)
Toddler/ Not Potty Trained
(1) Vinyl nap mat
2 packages of wipe refills (as needed)
Pull-ups/diapers (as needed)
2 weather appropriate change of clothes
(1)blanket
(1)small pillow (if needed)
(1) Small soft toy
*Change of Clothes need to include*
*Extra Diapers/pullups
*Shirt
*Pants/shorts
*Socks
*Shoes(optional)
Diapers/Pull-Ups will need to be brought as needed.
Nutritional Needs- Rising Stars will provide a nutritious Breakfast, Lunch, &PM snack. Food prepared for the children is nutritious and served in varieties and amounts adequate to ensure and maintain healthy growth and development. Rising Stars adheres to the nutritional guidelines set forth in the Minimum Standards and Guidelines established by the state of
We will be unable to heat Breakfast or Lunch brought from home.
*Menu will need to be slightly modified for Toddlers
Open door policy- Rising Stars has an open door policy. Parents can call or visit anytime during our operating hours. If you wish to discuss your child’s behavior or progress you can set up an appointment with Rising Stars. Parent conferences and evaluations will be due twice a year.
Procedures for release of students- For the safety of your child as well as all students who attend Rising Stars, please be prepared to show picture ID when picking up a student. Children are signed out and allowed to leave ONLY with their parent or person designated in writing by the parent. The parent or designated person will sign out the child along with the time the child is leaving Rising Stars, and place their initials on the appropriate line following the child’s name. At the time of enrollment, the parent completes an emergency information form. This form contains the names and telephone numbers for all persons given the responsibility of picking up your child from Rising Stars. It is the responsibility of the parent to keep the information current and accurate. Forms are available for changes to any information needing to be on file. A person requesting to pick up a child should be listed on the Emergency contact and information form. However, emergencies may arise that require that your child be picked up by a person other than those listed on the emergency form. Before dismissal time, the parent must notify Rising Stars and supply pertinent information about persons arriving to pick up the child. Any unknown persons picking up the child will be asked to show proper identification before the child will be released. The child will not be released without sufficient ID. Before release of the child, said person may be subjected to having a picture taken with the student. (to be kept on file at Rising Stars). If Divorced or Seperated Custody we must have a copy of Custody papers on file to deny dismissal to parent.(State Law)
Change of Information- It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to update information on file as soon as a change takes place. You may be asked to update your child’s record annually even if there are no reported changes. If your child does not reside with both parents, you will be required to show evidence of custody if needed. A court ordered decree will be required to prevent either parent from having access to the child.
Immunization Requirements- Rising stars requires that every student must be immunized and immunizations must remain current. As regulated by Texas State Law, Rising Stars requires validated records of complete immunizations for all students. As soon as your child receives immunization boosters, please send a copy of immunization records to Rising Stars.
Rest Period- All children are provided a quiet time and a place to rest. Soft music and a soft lit room provide a relaxing atmosphere for the children. Children are encouraged to rest during this time. If your child falls asleep he/she will be awakened at the end of the rest period, and no earlier unless a parent is picking up child early.
Illness and Well Child Policy- Should you have any questions about the health of your child please call and talk with Rising Stars before bringing them in for the day. Symptoms listed will guide you if you need to keep your child home. If these symptoms should appear while your child is at Rising Stars our staff will contact you immediately to pick up your child. If we call and your child isn’t picked up within 45 minutes we will charge a late pick up fee of $15.00. We can not threaten the other children with an illness, due to a parent’s negligence. If you can not get off from work please have a backup person listed on your emergency contacts to pick up your child from Rising Stars in a reasonable time frame. We will go outside EVERYDAY! (Weather Permitting) If your child is not well enough to participate in all school activities please keep them at home.
Symptoms:
1. Vomiting 2.Two or more loose bowel movements 3.A temperature of 100 degrees or higher 4.Discharge from the eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, or crusted eyelids 5.Listless/lethargic behavior 6. Lack of appetite or refusal to eat or drink 7.Extreme irritability 8.Clearly unusual behavior, which persists over a period of time 9 Swollen glands at the back of the neck 10.A blotchy rash on stomach and back or fine rash all over the torso 11.Swelling on the jaw line or in front of the ear 12.Very sore throat as indicated by refusing food and drink and possibly an upset stomach 13.Body lice, head lice, or the presence of nits 14.Small crusty blisters, fine blisters on the face, scalp, or body indicating the possibility of chicken pox.
IF THE TEMPERATURE OF YOUR CHILD RISES OR SHOULD ANY SYMPTOMS OCCUR AFTER YOUR CHILD ARRIVES AT RISING STARS THE STUDENT WILL TEMPORARILY BE ISOLATED FROM THE OTHER STUDENTS IN A QUIET SUPERVISED ARE UNTIL YOU ARRIVE TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD.
IF ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR WHILE AT RISING STARS THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO STAY HOME FOR 24 HOURS OR UNTIL SEEN BY A DOCTOR AND A DOCTORS NOTE HAS BEEN RECEIVED BY RISING STARS.
IF YOUR CHILD ISN’T PICKED UP WITHIN 45 MINUTES YOU WILL BE CHARGED A LATE FEE OF $15.00.
Medication guidelines- A medication form is available and must accompany all/any medication left at the school to be admitted during the day. A note from home is not enough! MEDICATION MAY NOT REMAIN IN BACKPACKS OR BAGS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE WHILE AT RISING STARS!!! All medications must be in its original container. Prescription medication must be labeled with the pharmacy label. The label must include the child’s name, date, directions, and the prescribing physician’s name. We will not give Non-prescription medications. The label must include the child’s name. Empty medication containers are returned to the parent.
Emergency Situations-You can be assured that Rising Stars makes every effort to provide a safe environment for your child. We are properly equipped with fire and smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarm, and trained staff. Children and staff participate in Emergency Procedure drills once a month. This training helps to ensure that every child and staff member are acquainted with emergency procedures. In the event of an emergency, parents will be notified of the situation as soon as possible. All of our staff are CPR and First aid trained and certified, and been cleared by state background checks.
Discipline and Guidance Policy- The message that we want to exhibit through modeling and actions, is that our place provides a secure and safe environment. Within this environment learning, related to all facets of life occur. The relationship involved in the development of positive self esteem and positive self confidence has a direct relationship to school, on the playground, at home, or wherever children may be in the real world. That is why we must establish an environment that is consistent in nurturing and honoring the special worth and value of each child attending.
When a child chooses to disrupt their own learning, interfere with another student’s learning, perform an action that may harm them self or others, or is openly disrespectful the teacher will choose from one of the following options
a. Talk with the child on their level b. Place the child in a time-out/thinking area/ peace place c. Limit the classroom or playground privileges d. Call a conference with the parent.
The option chosen by the teacher will depend on the severity/nature of the child’s behavior. We will always work with the parent in solving behavior problems involving their child. However, if there is continued lack of self control and or other related problems that interfere with learning or the safety to oneself or others, the child may be permanently dismissed from Rising Stars.
Child Abuse Reporting- Rising Stars will follow all state rules and guidelines regarding child abuse reporting. If a child shows signs of abuse, or abuse is suspected Rising Stars is required by law to notify the appropriate authorities.
Water Play- Throughout the year, we may participate in water play days. You will receive notification prior to the event.
Animals- Rising Stars has 2 lovable and kid friendly dogs who generally stay outside, when they are inside during school hours they are in a kennel. They do not shed, and are great for those who have allergies. If your child is afraid of dogs, or allergic please let Rising Stars know.
Smoking Policy- Rising Stars is a Smoke Free Home. During Business Hours Smoking is not permitted on or around Rising Stars Property. (Including Parents, Substitutes, Teachers, and visitors)
Inclement Weather-In the case of Bad weather we will follow MISD Delays and Closings. Check your local news and weather channel listings.
Tuberculin Testing- Testing for children is not currently mandated by the state of
Vision and Hearing Screening- Screening must be completed for every student ages 4 years and older when attending school/preschool as required by the state of
Dress Code- All children should be dressed in Comfortable Clothes (No Jammies). Each day students will participate in a wide variety of activities. All students must wear closed toe shoes, soft and non black soled shoes. This is to ensure your child’s safety while playing. Rising Stars staff will make every effort to protect students clothing, but be aware that spills and accidents may occur. Each item should be labeled with your child’s name clearly marked. Rising Stars will not be responsible for ruined, lost, or stolen items.
We will go outside everyday. Please make sure your child is dressed suitable to the weather and that they bring all necessary items for outdoors. (gloves, hats, etc.)
Labeled Sunscreen needs to be brought for your child during the warm summer months.
Personal items- We ask that you do not send any toys from home. Occasionally we may sponsor a show and tell day. Your child will be permitted to bring an item related to the topic to the class to share and discuss. This item must be labeled with your child’s name and taken home at the end of the day.
Parent Communication-Communication occurs through Daily/Weekly reports, Newsletters, Menus posted , Progress reports, and Parent/Teacher conferences. Rising Stars has an open door policy. Questions and Comments are always welcomed and appreciated.
Weapons Policy- At no times shall any firearm, darts, cap gun, knife, pepper spray, or other tool used to inflict injury be allowed on the premises.
Field Trips- We will occasionally do field trips throughout the year. Parents will be notified through posted notices and permission slips that will be sent home in advance of each field trip scheduled. Children must have a signed permission slip in order to attend the field trip. If a child will not be participating on a field trip we ask that another form of care be found for that day. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the field trips with their children.
Special Events- We ask that you notify Rising Stars prior to planning a special event for you child in the classroom. You may bring age appropriate party favors and pass out invitations. These items will be distributed by the teacher at the end of the day. For privacy, we cannot release addresses or phone numbers of any child and/or family member.
Parent Conferences- Parent conferences can be scheduled with Rising Stars Owner. Teachers and staff are available for parent conferences after hours or on the weekends. Please make arrangements ahead of time.
Summer Camp Program- Summer camp may be offered June-August.
Review of government
TFPS- www.tdprs.state.tx.us Abuse Hotline-1-800-252-5400
School Holidays-
If your child will attend during the summer we will close for 1 &1/2 weeks for a family vacation. Parents will not be charged for this time off and will be given plenty of notice.
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