Enrollment Policies

The following forms must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the center before the child will be able to attend:
· Admission Form
· Physical exam Form (DH form 3040)
· Immunization Records (DH #680, Part A-1, B, C (July, 2001) or DH Form 681
· Food Program Application
· Parent Contract
· Disciplinary/Guidance Procedures
· Financial Agreement

Nutrition and Meals

All centers provide food to the children at the center. Parents provide dinner for children at Starlight if they have not eaten before they arrive. The menus follow the guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture for healthy foods. Those children who have special dietary needs must provide a written notice to the director of the center from the child’s physician regarding the special requirements.

Health Policies

All centers follow the guidelines for ensuring the health and safety of the children in the centers as required by state law and by the accrediting body the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Discipline Policy

Our discipline policy begins with prevention. Center directors and teachers carefully arrange the physical aspects of the classrooms such that the spatial arrangement itself helps children interact appropriately. For example, large open spaces are generally avoided to help children save their large muscle activity such as running for the playground. Teachers are careful and attentive observers of the children in their classroom such that they are finely attuned to each child’s uniqueness. They are thus prepared to help redirect or divert as dictated by the child’s personality and temperament and needs. These are the preventive measures. Then, should inappropriate behaviors manifest themselves, the teachers will first observe whatever is happening. Sometimes, just the act of close, attentive, quiet observation is enough to help children gain control. Next in the sequence of assisting children to maintain appropriate behavior is helping children use their language to describe the event such that other options become possible. The third step in the sequence is a more extended use of language in a conversation that presents other options. The fourth step again uses language but is an intervention by the teacher such as “We walk inside” or ”Blocks are for building”. The last step, if the event warrants, is actual physical restraint and is needed only rarely. In short, no harsh or physical punishments are used at the centers nor may children be spanked, slapped, pinched, shaken, teased, make fun of or threatened in any way. Food may not be withheld as punishment nor are children punished for accidents related to toileting. Parents may not administer physical punishment in any of the centers nor on center grounds. Children are encouraged to take naps in only non-punitive and positive ways.