Programs

Our Mission

We will provide a loving, safe, happy, interesting and healthy environment for all ages during the time their parents have them entrusted to us. Our primary emphasis will be to keep children happy and engaged in activities that interest them and to maintain a caring and personable staff. Guided by this mission, Daystar offers the following programs:

Infant/Toddler

(6 weeks – 30 months)

Preschool

(30 months – 4 years)

Great Start Readiness

Program (GSRP)

(4 – 5 years)

Latchkey

(5 – 12 years)

Curriculum

Daystar Childcare Center uses a developmentally appropriate, research-based curriculum, called Creative Curriculum. Our curriculum, based on 38 objectives for development and learning, can be individualized for each student’s success. Using anecdotal notes and observations, our teachers can plan daily age-appropriate activities and experiences for the children in their classroom.

Assessment

Daystar Childcare Center currently uses two assessment tools: the Ages & Stages Questionnaire 3 (ASQ3) and Teaching Strategies GOLD. ASQ3 is completed shortly after enrollment and annually thereafter, or as requested by a parent or teacher. Teaching Strategies GOLD is conducted twice throughout the school year.

Infant/Toddler

There is a loving and caring atmosphere in our infant/toddler room. Each child is assigned to a primary caregiver who will listen to them and be sensitive to their needs. This primary caregiver not only responds to their needs, such as feeding and diapering, but will also interact one-on-one with each child. This way the child bonds with their caregivers and develops a feeling of trust. Learning trust in the first year of life teaches our infants that this world is a good place to be in.

Infants are allowed to eat and sleep on demand. Toddlers are encouraged to engage in activities that interest them. Both have opportunities to participate in the daily group experiences planned for the class. As your child learns, grows, and discovers, our teachers will keep you informed about your child’s activities and will provide you with a daily summary.

Preschool

Your child will be excited to learn and make new discoveries in our preschool class. Using the Creative Curriculum model, our classroom offers several Interest Areas full of age-appropriate materials for your child to engage in. Each day, our teachers will present fresh activities that are fully aligned with the 38 objectives of our curriculum for your child. Our days are structured with a schedule that offers a balance between teacher-directed and child-initiated activities.

During group time your child can make their “plan” for the day and pursue that plan during their choice time. They are also allowed to “do” activities that interest them in an open-ended setting. During our family-style snack and meal times, we “review” how their plans went and any discoveries they made.

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

Daystar’s GSRP classroom offers FREE, high-quality preschool (income eligibility requirements) for children who are 4 yrs, or will be eligible to attend Kindergarten the following year. Like our other preschool classroom, it utilizes Creative Curriculum with a supportive learning environment to assist your child with the development of the skills needed to be ready for school. Expectations include entering kindergarten with emotional readiness and social competence; developing an approach to their own learning; communicating with their peers and the adults around them; and having an understanding and a body of general knowledge.

While there are several GSRP classrooms in Genesee County, Daystar does offer a couple of added benefits:

Daystar is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and we offer latchkey services (tuition based) if you need care before/after class times, during the summer, or school breaks.
Daystar is licensed to care for infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children, so you can bring all of your children to the same place.

To start the process of enrollment for your child, Contact Us and then go to www.geneseepreschool.org.

Latchkey

Daystar offers Latchkey options for school-age children who need care before, after school, during school breaks and during summer break. Your child will have the benefit of a warm, safe environment as well as eating a snack and/or meal while they are here. For those in the Bendle school district, the school bus will pick up and drop off your child at Daystar.