parent Handbook

Welcome to Shining Star Kids Academy

Philosophy

Our teaching staff is dedicated to creating positive learning experience for students. Our goal is to meet the emotional, mental, physical, and social needs of your child in a safe and loving learning environment.

We respect and appreciate that you have placed trust in us, in caring for your child. We believe that parents are the most important people in a child’s world, and we will make every effort to support you as a family.

We will try to offer the very best care that we can for your child. You can help us by keeping me informed about health concerns, favorite foods, fears, or special interests. We will share information about your child’s and activities during the time spent in the program.

Each class is designed to meet age-appropriate objectives. We will provide a loving, safe, fun, school-like atmosphere for your child, that you may feel secure while you are working.

Above all, we ask that you communicate to us any concerns you have on behalf of your child while in our care. We would appreciate and hope that if any problems arise you would tell us immediately so that we can work together to make it right.

We at Shining Star Kids Academy do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex. Age, political belief or disability. All families and employees are entitled to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available as we will make accommedations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Mission statement

Our mission is to offer a safe and healthy learning environment, where your child can learn and grow. Believe it truly takes a village to raise a child.

Open Door Policy

It has always been our policy to welcome any parent, at any time during normal operating hours. No appointment is needed, we only ask that the parent wanting to visit is aware of their child’s schedule and the schedules of the other children in my care and try to visit when it is least disturbing.

Hours of Operation

The childcare center will be open Monday through Friday from 6:15a.m. To 5:15 p.m. A late fee of $15.00 will be added to all accounts when children are picked up after 5:30 p.m. These hours are non-negotiable.

If you anticipate on being late, you will need to call and inform the childcare who will be picking your child up. This person will have to be on the child’s enrollment form or present us with an I.D. late fee's will still apply. 

Drop Off, Cut off Time, & Absense

It is recommended that your child arrives no later than 8:30a.m. So that he/she may receive the greatest benefit from the program. Children will not be admitted after 9:30 a.m., as staffing decisions are made at this time.

In order to maintain proper staffing, we request that you notify us if your child will be absent for several days. Should a need arise to withdraw your child; an advance notice would be greatly appreciated.

It is tradition for the childcare center to close 1 week in the summer for summer break, and we also will close for the following holidays New Years, Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day these dates will be given plenty of notice as other means of childcare will need to be prepared. Payment for my closing days is not required. Though you will be required to pay for sick days, snow days, and any weather situations that are not in our control.

Any unattended days will be charged at the regular full-time rate. A two weeks’ notice must be given for any upcoming vacation, in order for regular rates not to be charged. Children are granted 10-day vacation per year. Vacations are not valid until a child has been in attendance for a minimum of 60 days. During vacation, you child's spot will be saved and no fee’s we be accrued. 

Inclement Weather

It is a policy of the childcare center to be closed when the inclement weather poses a serious travel hazard to our parents and staff.

If Tulsa Public Schools is included in the district closings, the childcare center will be closed as well. Always check your local news for closing or delayed opening hours. Since the situations are beyond our control, there is no reduced tuition for these closings. 

Enrollment Procedures

In compliance with the state and local regulations and to ensure your child’s safety, all enrollment forms, including immunizations records must be received before a child attends the childcare facility. Children aged 4 and older are required by law to have a vision and hearing screening within 120 days after enrollment. Any screening completed one year prior to enrollment is acceptable. Also, screenings performed at public schools are also acceptable. Parents must obtain these results or complete a statement noting that results are at the child’s local school. Each year parents with children 5 years and younger, must have a statement, but this must be followed by a physician statement within one year.

Tuition and Fees

A registration fee is the amount of $55 for (1) child and $85 (per family), is due upon enrollment. If a child leaves the program, a new registration fee will be due upon re-enrollment. Registration fees are nonrefundable. Private Payments are due each Monday for the present week’s tuition.

A $10.00 late fee is assessed if tuition is not paid by 6:00p.m. On Monday, without previous arrangements already made. 

If tuition is not paid by Tuesday morning, your child will not be admitted until full payment is made.

There is a $25.00 service charge for all returned checks. 

Upon enrollment, all copayments will be due. Co Payments are due on the 1st of the month and last on the 5th. Children will not be admitted without payment and/or a written agreement after the 5th. 

Clients receiving state assistance, it is your responsibility to swipe your child in and out via the EBT machine on a daily basis. If swipes are missed, it will be the responsibility of the parent to pay all fees that accrue. Also, all parents, or authorized adult must clock their child(ren) in and out via Brightwheel daily for accurate attendance to ensure that all children are accounted for. Shining star kid's academy will not assume responsibility for your child(ren) until signed in/out by the unimpaired parent, guardian, or authorized adult. Parents are required to accompany their child upon entering the building and leaving the childcare premseis. Parents should make visual and verbal contact with staff before leaving their child on the premises. 

Daily Routine

All children need a backpack large enough to hold a folder, a blanket and a change of clothes in case of an accident.

Please dress your child in play clothes. We do have activities that are messy and accidents happen. Please provide a change of clothes for your child. We do go outside on “chilly days” (45 degrees or above). Please no flipflops or cowboy boots.

*Label all backpacks, clothing, lunchboxes, containers, and blankets with your child’s name. 

We are not responsible for lost items, which include, articulates of clothing or socks.

Accidents/Injuries

Our facility is child-proofed to the best of our ability and according to the licensing standards. As stated above however, accidents do happen. Staff are to administer first aid if deemed necessary as well as document incident via Brightwheel which will include the type of injury and the attention/ and or care given.  In case of an accidental injury, where medical assistance is needed we will attempt to contact a parent immediately. If needed, we will take your child to St. Francis Hospital. If your insurance requires you to use another facility, indicate this on the medical release form. Parents will be expected to assume responsibility for any expense.

Suspected Child abuse or Neglect 

As licensed childcare provider's we at Shining Star Kids Academy are categorized as mandatory reporter's, and are required by law to report any incident of suspected child abuse or neglect to the proper authorities for a decision about possible investigation and eventual resolutions. Parents and guardian agree to hold Shining Star Kids Academy harmless in any case where mandatory and legal state requirements are followed to the letter of the law.

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Guidance and Discipline

Shining Star Kids Academy will strive to develop a positive relationship with your child(ren). Our goals for discipline are to teach your child(ren) how to get along with well with other children, self-regulate, and good moral skills. We also believe that all young children need's love, guidance, and support while they are in their formative years. It is essential therefore, that teachers understand clearly the principles of child growth as well as development. While at Shining Stars Kids Academy will not be subject to discipline, which is severe, humiliating, and or frightening. Discipline shall not be associated with food, rest, and or toileting. 

Spanking or any other forms of physical punishment is strictly PROHIBITED while on our premesis.

Guidelines for Food and Nutrition 

SSKA follows the Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines to ensure your child will receive healthy nutritious meals while at SSKA. There is to be no outside food or drinks allowed in the facility unless deemed medically necessary or approved by the director. There are times where we have celebrations within the center your child teacher may ask you to bring treats, if you decide to bring treats the must be in original packaging unopened. 

Birthday Parties

Please contact your child’s teacher if you wish to celebrate your child’s birthday in class. 

Party invitations should not be given to teachers to hand out. 

Our four holiday parties (fall, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, & Easter) will be organized by Homeroom Moms, helpers and teachers.

Fieldtrips

The Pre-School and School Age classes will take fieldtrips during the year. Parents will be notified in advance and a signed permission slip is required. Students then will be transported in the SSKA vans.

Illness

If your child exhibits any signs of illness within 24 hours before class, do not bring him/her to class that day. These signs include a fever, cough, cold, upset stomach, diarrhea, rash, eye infection, etc.  In the event of your child being out for an illness or sent home for and illness there will be a 24-hour window where that child must be symptom free without using any medication before returning to School. 

NEVER put medicine in your child’s backpack or lunchbox.

 If your child takes medication, you are to turn it into the office staff so there are able to appropriately store your child medication, and ensure your child have a medication form on file. We do not give over the counter medication unless it is Benadryl for severe allergies. 

Expulsion Policy

Please know, that we reserve the right to expel a student at our own discretion. The following reasons include, but are not limited to: Inappropriate behavior by a student or parent, that threatens the safety and wellbeing of themselves, the other students, staff, or agents of the program; failure to remit tuition on a timely basis; Violation of any documented policy, procedure, or law, Excessive late pickups, or any other reason, cause, violation deemed necessary by the childcare center, to safeguard the students, staff, population, property or integrity or our reputation.

Please adhere strictly to this policy and the procedure within this handbook. The Policy's in this handbook is subject to change***

Updated July 7, 2021