Rising STARS Program Information
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Rising STARS Early Childhood Program |
A Partnership Between Thayer Central Schools and Blue Valley Community Action/Head Start |
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Rising STARS PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Rising STARS Early Childhood Program is a partnership between Thayer Central Public Schools and Thayer County Head Start/Blue Valley Community Action. Through the collaboration of our resources, nearly 32 children ages 3 and 4 will be served annually in the Rising STARS Early Childhood Program at Thayer Central Schools.
The Rising STARS Early Childhood Program will offer high-quality learning and play environment for all children regardless of ability, income or previous preschool experience. The Rising STARS Program will assist children to reach their full potential and to increase the likelihood of children’s later success in school.
Young children who participate in the Rising STARS Early Childhood Program will be enrolled in a center-based program located at Thayer Central Elementary. Children will be grouped in one of two early childhood classes and attend program sessions 3.5 hours per day, Monday through Thursday each week.
At the Rising STARS Early Childhood Program, families can expect…
- Attention to research-based elements of program effectiveness. These elements will include: qualified teachers, classroom leaders, and highly qualified para-educators who are trained to work with young children; optimum adult/child ratios and group size; sufficient intensity and duration of programs; a curriculum based on knowledge about child growth and development; an emphasis on age-appropriate language and early literacy experiences; and ongoing program improvement processes.
- A strong emphasis on family participation, in recognition of the critical role of parents in assuring that children grow up in positive, supportive environments that encourage early development and learning.
- Inclusive, integrated programs/services that include diverse groups of children.
- Collaboration with existing services in the community including: Head Start, early childhood special education, community child care, existing pre-school programs, health programs, and other school district early childhood initiatives.
The Rising STARS Early Childhood Program will offer enrollment to children according to the following tuition guidelines (Sliding Fee Scale):
Program Tuition (per month September through May)
Special Education (IEP) - No Cost
Head Start Enrollment - No Cost
Free Meal Program Eligibility - No Cost
Reduced Meal Program Eligibility - $40.00/per month
Full Pay Meal Program Eligibility - $80.00/per month
At the beginning of the school year, families will receive a Meal Program Application Form to be completed and returned to your child’s school to determine eligibility for reduced tuition. Tuition Invoice Statements will be mailed to families, according to eligibility, with payment due each month. Other tuition payment options include advance quarterly, semester and annual payments. Failure to remit payment for program tuition will result in discontinued enrollment.
The Rising STARS Early Childhood Program will partner with Thayer Central Schools to provide nutritionally-balanced meals for participating children. Children participating in the programs will have the opportunity to be served a full family-style meal during daily programming. All children will be offered a daily snack, as well.
In cooperation with Thayer County Head Start and Thayer Central Schools, the Rising STARS Early Childhood Program will offer transportation options for preschool-age children. Foremost, families of preschool-age children should carefully consider what transportation arrangement is best for their children. School district transportation will be available as described below:
Transportation Availability
Special Education (IEP) – Transportation to/from home provided
Out of City Limits – Transportation to/from home provided
In City Limits – Limited transportation may be available
For more information about the program, please call:
Kurk Wiedel, Thayer Central Elementary Principal
