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Classrooms
​"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Infant 1 Classroom: Ages Birth-12 Months
At Shining Stars, we prioritize creating a safe, clean, and calming environment tailored for infants. Our designated areas for sleeping, feeding, and playing are equipped with age-appropriate toys and activities, while our well-trained staff provides individual attention to nurture each baby's developmental needs, including routines for feeding, diaper changing, and comforting. **Safety:** - Secure cribs and playmats free from choking hazards. - Proper supervision with appropriate staff-to-infant ratios. - Established safety protocols for handling and moving infants. **Cleanliness:** - Regularly sanitized surfaces and toys. - Staff follow proper hand hygiene practices. - A clean and well-stocked diaper changing area. **Soothing Environment:** - Soft lighting and calming colors. - Gentle music or white noise. - Comfortable temperature regulation. **Defined Areas:** - Separate spaces for sleeping, feeding, playing, and diaper changing. - Age-appropriate toys and activities in each area. **Staff Qualifications:** - Certified and experienced caregivers for infants. - Knowledgeable about infant development and needs. - Capable of providing individual attention while responding to each baby’s cues. **Developmental Activities:** - Tummy time to enhance motor skills. - Sensory experiences involving textures and sounds. - Reading and singing sessions for babies. **Communication and Transparency:** - Regular updates from caregivers regarding your baby's day. - Open lines of communication for any concerns or questions. **Feeding Practices:** - Flexibility to meet your baby's feeding needs (breastmilk, formula). - Proper techniques for bottle feeding. **Parent Involvement:** - Opportunities for parents to engage in activities with their baby. - A welcoming atmosphere for parents to observe in the infant room.
Infant 2 Classroom: Ages 12 Months - 18 Months
Creating a nurturing environment for your child is our top priority We ensure a clean and safe space with well-maintained cribs, sanitized toys, and secure pathways. Our are trained to engage with children, providing a variety of age-appropriate activities that foster developmental milestones, from fine motor skills to sensory play. With a low caregiver-to-child ratio, we accommodate individual feeding and sleep schedules, every child receives the attention they deserve.
Toddler 1 Classroom: Ages 18 Months - 28 Months
Shining Stars Focuses on creating a space that includes designated areas for active play, quiet play, creative exploration, age-appropriate toys, a safe and well-supervised environment, experienced caregivers who understand toddler development, and an emphasis on social and emotional learning through structured activities and routines. Key considerations include: - **Developmental appropriateness:** Toys and activities should cater to toddlers, featuring building blocks, puzzles, dress-up clothes, play kitchens, push toys, and items that enhance large motor skills. - **Multiple play areas:** Create distinct spaces for active play ( climbing structures), quiet play (reading nooks), creative exploration (art supplies and water play), and block building. - **Safe environment:** Ensure furniture is secured, surfaces are soft where necessary, and supervision is close to prevent accidents. - **Hygiene practices:** Maintain clean changing stations, establish handwashing routines, and regularly sanitize toys. - **Staff qualifications:** Employ experienced caregivers with training in early childhood development who are patient, nurturing, and capable of engaging toddlers in age-appropriate activities. - **Social interaction opportunities:** Facilitate structured activities that encourage cooperation, sharing, and turn-taking, while allowing for independent play. - **Outdoor play:** Provide access to a safe outdoor area equipped with age-appropriate structures like swings, slides, and climbing equipment. - **Curriculum and routines:** Implement a planned curriculum that covers language development, fine motor skills, cognitive activities, and socialotional learning. - **Communication and parent involvement:** Offer regular updates from caregivers, opportunities for parents to observe the classroom, and open communication channels to discuss their child's development and needs. Specific features to seek in a younger toddler room include: - **Low furniture:** Tables and chairs that are sized appropriately for toddlers. - **Sensory play options:** Sensory bins filled with varied textures and materials. - **Dramatic play areas:** Spaces equipped with dollhouses, costumes, and play kitchen sets- **Reading area:** A cozy corner with a selection of age-appropriate books. - **Art supplies:** Accessible art materials such as crayons, markers, and finger paints
Toddler 2 Classroom: Ages 24 Months - 36 Months
Shining Stars provides a space that promotes active and imaginative play with open-ended toys, features a well-organized routine with clear boundaries, emphasizes language development, provides opportunities for self-help skills, and ensures a safe environment with proper supervision and staff-to-child ratios, all tailored to meet your child's individual needs. Key aspects to consider: **Play areas and activities:** - **Active play zones:** Large blocks, climbing structures, ball pits, and outdoor areas that enhance gross motor skills. - **Pretend play stations:** Dollhouses, play kitchens, dress-up outfits, and toy vehicles that stimulate imaginative play. - **Creative art area:** Eas, paints, markers, and play dough that support fine motor skills and self-expression. - **Sensory play options:** tables, textured materials, and sensory bins to engage various senses. - **Reading nook:** A comfortable space with a selection of age-appropriate books to encourage literacy. **Learning environment:** -Language development:** Staff members using rich vocabulary, reading regularly, and engaging in conversations children. - **Early math concepts:** Activities focused on sorting, counting games, and basic shape recognition. - **Social skills:** Opportunities for cooperative play, sharing, and taking turns. - **Self-help skills:** Access to bathrooms, handwashing stations, and chances to dress independently. **Safety and:** - **Appropriate furniture and equipment:** Child-sized chairs, tables, low shelves, and padded areas. - **Clear safety procedures:** Super during outdoor play and secure storage for hazardous materials. - **Staff-to-child ratio:** Compliance with state regulations to ensure suitable adult supervision based on age group. **Staff qualifications:** - **Early childhood education training:** Certified caregivers experienced in working with toddlers. - **Positive and nurturing approach:** Staff who are patient, supportive, and attentive to individual needs. - **Open communication:** Willingness to discuss your child's development and concerns with parents.
Preschool 1 Classroom: Ages 32 Months - 48 Months
Shining Stars Focuses on creating a safe, organized, age-appropriate space that fosters active learning through a variety of engaging activities. This includes designated areas for dramatic play, building blocks, art supplies, books, and a cozy reading nook, while also taking into account the teacher-to-child ratio and an overall classroom environment that encourages social interaction and exploration. Key elements to consider: - **Developmentally Appropriate:** Toys, puzzles, and activities designed for the specific age group, enhancing fine motor skills, cognitive growth, and social interaction. - **Learning Centers:** Specific areas for various types of play, including a block center, dramatic play area, art center, reading nook, and science exploration zone. - **Open Space:** Sufficient room for children to move freely, engage with large motor toys, and participate in group activities. -Safe and Secure Environment:** Properly anchored furniture, clear safety protocols, and supervision to prevent accidents. - **Sensory Experiences:** Opportunities to explore different textures, sounds, and scents through play-based activities. **Comfortable Furniture:** Child-sized chairs, tables, and seating areas that are welcoming and accessible. - **Clear Routines and Structure:** A predictable daily schedule with set times for activities like circle time, outdoor play, and snack breaks. - **Visual Aids:** Posters, charts, and labels to enhance language development and learning. - **Outdoor Play Area:** A safe and well-kept outdoor space equipped with age-appropriate play structures. Important questions to ask the preschool staff: - What is the teacher-to-child ratio in the classroom? - How do you accommodate different learning styles in your curriculum? - What is your approach to discipline and conflict resolution? - How do you support social and emotional development? - What opportunities are available for parent involvement?
Preschool 2 Classroom: Ages 44 Months - 60 Months
Shining Stars offers a secure and welcoming atmosphere featuring age-appropriate learning materials, clearly defined activity zones, comfortable furniture, diverse sensory experiences, and a focus on developmental activities that promote exploration and social engagement. Additionally, ensure proper hygiene practices and clear safety protocols are in place. Key elements to consider: **Safety and Cleanliness:** - Absence of hazards or sharp edges - Well-kept furniture and toys - Clear emergency procedures - Proper handwashing stations **Learning Environment:** - Designated areas for activities such as block play, art, reading, and dramatic play Low shelves for easy access to toys and materials - A variety of age-appropriate learning resources, including books,, and manipulatives - Sensory play items such as water tables and textured materials **Furniture and Layout:** - Child-sized chairs and tables - Cozy reading corners - Open spaces for movement and group **Curriculum and Activities:** - Developmentally appropriate tasks focusing on fine motor skills, language, social skills, math concepts, and literacy - Hands-on learning opportunities that encourage and discovery - A range of activities to different learning styles **Teacher-Child Interactions:** - Positive and supportive relationships between teachers and children - Encouragement of children's curiosity and questions - Individualized attention to address each child's needs **Outdoor Play Area:** - Safe and well-maintained outdoor space with various play equipment - Access to shade and water.
Before and After School Care
Shining Stars Ensures a safe and supportive environment with structured activities that encompass academic assistance, physical engagement, creative play, social interaction, staff, transparent communication with parents, and adaptable scheduling to accommodate your family's requirements. Key Considerations: **Safety and Supervision:** - Staff trained and background-checked. Secure facility with controlled access. - Established safety protocols and emergency procedures. **Academic Support:** - Homework help and dedicated study time. - Enrichment activities that enhance learning. - Individual tutoring opportunities as needed. **Physical Activity:** - Indoor and outdoor play spaces. - Organized physical activities such as sports or dance. - Opportunities for free active play. **Social Development:** - Positive peer interactions and group activities. - Leadership and collaboration opportunities. - Development of conflict resolution skills. **Creative Play and Enrichment:** - Arts and crafts sessions. - STEM-focused projects. - Music and drama programs. ** Qualifications:** - Certified childcare professionals. - Experience with school-aged children. - Positive and engaging attitudes. **Communication and Parent Involvement:** - Regular updates on children's progress. - Open channels for communication with staff. - Opportunities for parental feedback and participation. **Flexibility and Scheduling:** - Hours tailored to family needs. - Options for early drop-off and late pick-up. - Ability to accommodate special requirements.
Summer Program for School Aged Children
Shining Stars is offering a well-rounded combination of enjoyable outdoor activities, innovative indoor options, emphasis on social growth, skilled staff, a structured yet flexible schedule, and age-appropriate activities tailored to your child's interests, all within a safe and nurturing environment. Key aspects to consider: **Variety of Activities:** - **Outdoor Play:** Sports, nature exploration, and water activities (if applicable) - **Creative Activities:** Arts and crafts, drama, music, and cooking - **Educational Elements:** Science, STEM projects, and reading programs - **Physical Activities:** Games, dance, and fitness challenges **Social Development:** - Small group sizes for building meaningful connections - Cooperative activities that promote teamwork - Opportunities for leadership growth - Strategies for positive conflict resolution **Qualified Staff:** - Experienced and certified counselors with background checks Appropriate adult-to-child ratio for each age group - Staff trained in child safety and first aid **Structure and Flexibility:** - Clear daily schedule with specific activity times - Flexibility to modify activities based on weather and children's interests - Regular updates to parents about camp activities and child progress **Safety and Supervision:** - Secure facility with designated play areas - Established safety protocols and emergency procedures - Trained staff for close monitoring of children **Age-Appropriate Activities:** - Activities specially designed for elementary school children