The Rising Stars Child Development Center on Alex Harvin Hwy in Manning is now enrolling 4K students for the 2023- 24 school year free of tuition.
The program helps four-year-old students transition to kindergarten. Siblings of students in the 4K program are also eligible to be enrolled for free. The program follows a curriculum called conscious discipline, which is based on connections. The curriculum instills the idea of “do as I say and not as I do.” It encourages children to be the best version of themselves inside their home as well as the community.
Questions parents may want to know:
Q: What is the average class size at Rising Stars?
A: Each 4K classroom is usually filled with up to ten children.
Q: What kind of curriculum or teaching style is practiced at Rising Stars?
A: Teachers at Rising Stars follow a lesson plan throughout each week. Every day starts with a Question of the Day, where the teacher will ask their students a question to which they receive different responses. There is never a right or wrong answer to the Question of the Day. They are subjective learning tools to inspire students to listen and learn the lesson that day. Rising Stars also utilizes something called a KWL chart. On the KWL chart, students go over what they know, what they learned that day, and what they have learned so far. Teachers also review simple concepts in regular school subjects such as math and grammar.
Q: What time does the 4K program begin each day? What time is the pick-up in the afternoon?
A: The program is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If a student needs to stay after 3:30 p.m., the parent(s) can discuss a later pick-up time with the director. Since the free 4K program ends at 3:30 p.m., the student will transition into the daycare schedule at that time. The director of Rising Stars can discuss the details of the daycare program with parent(s) at any time.
Q: Are there regular opportunities for outside time or recess?
A: The Rising Stars 4K program has time for recess scheduled every day. The schedule also includes time for a rest time or nap time.
Q: Is lunch provided?
A: Breakfast, lunch, and a snack will be provided.
Q: What does a typical day look like in the 4K program?
A: As soon as students arrive each morning, they will first have breakfast. If a child finishes their breakfast before the other students, they are asked to pick out a toy to occupy their time until the class begins. Teachers then start class and follow their lesson plan for that particular day. Following class, teachers ask the students, “What would you all like to do throughout the day?” While the program emphasizes learning, it is also about having fun.
Q: How are discipline issues addressed?
A: The 4K classroom has an area called “Safe Place.” If a child feels as though they are not having a good day or they are upset, teachers will ask them to walk over to “Safe Place” and pick out a book. Teachers also instruct students on breathing techniques, a practice called STAR: Stop, take a deep breath, and relax. Rising Stars also has
Shubert & Sophie stories available so the children can express themselves through puppets and a teddy bear that they can use to communicate how they feel. There is also a board in the classroom where students put how they feel that day and how they can improve their day.
The Rising Stars Child Development Center understands that not every child is the same and that it is okay to be different. Students get plenty of one-on-one time with the teacher, and they want each child to know that they are heard, safe, and loved.
To enroll in the free 4K program, visit scfirststeps.org and enter “Rising Stars CDC” when searching for a program. When signing up, please have your student’s immunization records and birth certificate. Email risingstarscdc@yahoo.com for more information or call (803)249-1119.
