Thank you for choosing Chestermere Star Kids. Below are the policies and procedures we adhere to.
At Chestermere Star Kids we believe that every child is unique and deserves inclusive special care. Our program philosophy is to provide a safe, secure and fun environment for children that provides them with opportunities to explore and learn at their own pace. Chestermere Star Kids follows a play-based curriculum to help children expand their learning through play.
Chestermere Star Kids staff provide a daily routine for children to explore their opportunities through play and academic learning. We provide one-on-one care and support to children if needed.
At Chestermere Star Kids we look after the mental health of children by providing children with play-based curriculum activities and helping them to relieve their stress through sensory, physical and social activities. Sensory activities help children deal with their stress and worries by touching playdough, squeezing stress balls and more.
Chestermere Star Kids is an inclusive program that promotes diversity and inclusive learning for children. We will use a play-based curriculum in our program. Which helps children achieve greater success in various skills.
The mission of Chestermere Star Kids is to provide each child with one-on-one support if needed to succeed in their lives. Our mission is to incorporate inclusive learning into our program, including diversity for the community. We want to provide children with activities that can lead children to develop age-appropriate thinking skills and embrace each child’s culture and leadership practices. We want to prepare children for kindergarten classes.
Once a family registers to attend Chestermere Star Kids, they will be given a tour of our program and introduced to their classroom teachers.
You and your child will have the opportunity to become familiar with the Chestermere Star Kids environment, teachers, staff, routines, and activities, and to see how your child responds to the teacher and other students. Our goal is to make the transition to care as smooth as possible for both the parent/guardian and the student. Ask the program director for details and a copy of the orientation checklist.
When preparing your child for the program we ask that you provide the following:
1. Indoor shoes
2. Water bottle
3. At least 2 complete sets of clothes (underwear, socks, pants, shirts, etc. – just in case).
Chestermere Star Kids classes run from January to December following the Rocky View school calendar but we will be open for summer vacation.
Chestermere Star Kids class times will vary by program.
Preschool age (2.8 to 5 years) classes will be
Morning – 8:30am to 11:30am Afternoon – 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Kindercare (5-6 years) classes will be
6:30am to 5:45pm
After-school care (6 to 12 years) classes will be
6:30am to 9:00am
2:00pm to 5:45pm
We will provide transportation to pick up and drop off children.
Please inquire at the office if you require transportation for your child.
A registration form must be completed and submitted with the registration fee to confirm your child’s place in the Chestermere Star Kids program.
Each person is required to pay a $50 non-refundable registration fee to secure your spot. Our program is on a first come, first served basis. If your family qualifies for a subsidy, you will be required to pay a 1-month deposit at the time of registration. This payment will be applied to your last month if you complete the full school year or provide appropriate notice based on the policy listed in our Withdrawal Policy. You will be refunded the difference once your subsidy has been applied to your last month of service.
All families will be required to pay the fee via a pre-authorization form from September 1st through May 1st. Your fee will be charged on the first of the month. If a child requires summer care which can be discussed by speaking with the Program Director.
Chestermere Star Kids does not offer refunds or exchanges for any absence time (vacation, long absence, illness).
The Government of Alberta is providing an affordability grant to licensed facilities to help reduce monthly program fees for registered families.
The affordability grant fee will be reflected on your registration form fee according to the child’s program. If the government withdraws or amends this affordability grant at any time, parents will be responsible for paying any difference in fees each month.
Subsidies are available for all OSC programs at Chestermere Star Kids. Families with a household income of $180,000 or less may apply for a subsidy and will be awarded the amount of subsidy based on their household income. It is the responsibility of the parent to apply for this government subsidy program. To apply for a subsidy, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/child-care-subsidy.aspx. Please select CHESTERMERE STAR KIDS LTD when completing the subsidy form.
If you wish to withdraw your child from the program, you must provide 1 month’s notice. Please email your withdrawal request. Verbal requests will not be accepted. Chestermere Star Kids reserves the right to withdraw a child from our program in the following cases:
1. Fees are not paid
2. Parent and child exhibit aggressive behavior toward staff, students, or fellow parents/families
3. Repeated Late Purchases
A late payment fee of $25 will be charged for the first 5 days late. A late fee of $50 will be charged for 7 days. This fee must be paid in cash within 7 days of notification by Chestermere Star Kids. Failure to comply may result in Chestermere Star Kids removing your child from our program until the fee is paid in full.
Chestermere Star Kids will be closed for the following statutory holidays-
● Labour Day
● National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
● Thanksgiving
● Remembrance Day
● Christmas
● Boxing Day
● New Year
● Family Day
● Good Friday
● Easter Monday
● Victoria Day
Christmas break from December 24, 2025 to January 2, 2026 (dates subject to change)
Professional Days – Chestermere Star Kids will have a few professional development days throughout the year for our teachers, during which we will be closed. Please see the annual calendar for dates. Professional development days will only apply to preschool students.
At Chestermere Star Kids we follow a structured play-based curriculum. A typical day in preschool will consist of; Welcome (welcome song, calendar, weather, etc.), free play, snack, centers (numbers, letters, patterns, crafts, etc.), story time and home time. In preschool we will have special days (class parties and special guests), in which case our normal daily schedule may change.
The Kindercare and OSC schedule will be aligned with social, emotional, cognitive and physical activities. Every Tuesday and Friday we will have different clubs for children to participate in.
Chestermere Star Kids does not provide snacks for your child. Please send your child with their own snack and water bottle. Our program is a NUT FREE program. Please ensure that no snacks are sent that contain nuts.
Please write their name on your child’s lunch box and water bottle.
Chestermere Star Kids will follow Alberta Health Guidelines for Sickness. Children at Chestermere Star Kids will not be able to attend school if they are sick. If a child is exhibiting any of the following symptoms: vomiting, fever, diarrhea, or a new unexplained rash or cough. More care and attention than can be provided without compromising the care of others is required. Children in the program have or exhibit any other illness or symptom that a staff member knows (or believes) may indicate that the child poses a health risk to persons on the program premises.
Some examples of illnesses are as follows:
High fever over 38 c.
Bad headaches
Widespread rash
Pink eye
Diarrhea
Parents are required to notify Chestermere Star Kids if their child has a serious condition (for example measles, head lice, pink eye, mumps, chickenpox, etc.) so that Chestermere Star Kids can notify other families to monitor for any symptoms and take precautions.
If a child comes to the program sick or becomes ill while at the program, we will notify the parent, guardian or emergency contact immediately. We will keep the child away from other children and ask the parent to pick the child up from the program.
Children must be symptom-free if Chestermere Star Kids is satisfied that the child does not pose a risk to the health and safety of other children in the program. Children must be symptom-free before returning to the program.
At Chestermere Star Kids we promote a happy, fun and safe environment for children to enjoy themselves. Our policy is based on self-discipline.
Chestermere Star Kids Child Guidance Policy aims to establish a framework of clear strategies to support children’s emotional, social and behavioural development. This policy will implement these strategies to promote positive behaviour, emotional regulation and respectful interactions across all age groups in care.
Clear Expectations and Positive Reinforcement: Children at this stage benefit from clear, simple instructions. Staff reinforce positive behaviors using praise and encouragement. Teachers and caregivers guide children through simple problem-solving steps when conflicts arise, teaching them how to negotiate, share, and express feelings.
Modeling and Role-Playing: Children will be encouraged to practice social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and using polite language. We will emphasize the importance of listening to others and expressing feelings respectfully. We will use Kelso Choice Wheels for children. Staff will provide age-appropriate vocabulary to discuss feelings and conflict-related activities. We will involve children in setting their behavioral expectations and guidelines, promoting a sense of responsibility and ownership. We will teach children specific strategies for conflict resolution, including active listening.
Our program’s guidance strategies are based on mutual respect and empathy. We strive to understand each child’s unique needs and experiences, ensuring that guidance is sensitive and responsive.
We will focus on preventing behavioral problems before they arise, offering opportunities to engage in developmentally appropriate activities, providing a structured yet flexible environment, and cultivating positive relationships with children. Staff will consistently implement positive reinforcement strategies (e.g., verbal praise, stickers) to encourage desirable behaviors and discourage negative behaviors.
We will never use physical punishment, shaming, or yelling. All guidance approaches will be focused on teaching and support rather than punishment. Chestermere Star Kids teachers use positive reinforcement when a child interferes with other children’s play through their aggressive behavior by helping the child get a book for quiet time and a quiet space. Aggressive behavior from children is not tolerated in the program. This includes biting, hitting, pushing, etc. If this continues in the program, parents will be asked to find a positive solution to the problem. If this behavior continues, Chestermere Star Kids reserves the right to remove children from the program. Under no circumstances will Chestermere Star Kids engage in any form of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse of children, deny or threaten to deny any needs, or allow the use of any form of physical restraint, confinement, or isolation as per Child Care Licensing Regulations. Parent and Teacher Meetings: Parent and teacher meetings will be held at least two (2) times per year following the completion of student progress reports. This provides parents/guardians with an opportunity to discuss their child’s development and progress in the program and to ask any questions regarding their child or the program. As always, staff are available at any time throughout the year to discuss concerns. Speak to your child’s teacher or program director to arrange a time.
In the event of any emergency, all children will be evacuated from the building by staff and will all be safely at our muster point location. Parents will be notified by call in emergency evacuation situations as our staff will carry an emergency contact binder with them at all times.
To familiarize your children with emergency evacuation procedures, Chestermere Star Kids will conduct monthly fire drills, lockdown drills and disaster drills with all children in our program to keep everyone safe.
Chestermere Star Kids works to prepare your children for school classes. Parents will be welcomed at drop off and pick up times so they can help their children with their items such as jackets, indoor shoes, backpacks, snack boxes, etc. The Chestermere Star Kids program will encourage families to allow their children to make their transitions during pick-up and drop-off times so that children can become more independent.
Chestermere Star Kids will not tolerate late pick-ups. Life happens.
We understand that so we are putting the following policy in place for late pick-ups. In the event of an emergency, the late pick-up fee will not be charged twice. After that, the family will be charged $10 per 10 minutes for late pick-ups. This late fee must be paid within 10 days of notice. Failure to pay this fee will result in the child being terminated from the program. Chestermere Star Kids reserves the right to terminate the child from the program if late pick-ups continue for more than 3 times.
Chestermere Star Kids will only administer emergency medication to a child (for example – EpiPens). Families are required to complete an emergency medication form during registration for their child so that they can administer medication to their child. Chestermere Star Kids will not administer any medication to a child while their child is in their care other than emergency medication. Emergency medication must be in the original container with the original label and expiration date and the name of the physician who prescribed it.
Chestermere Star Kids does not allow anyone to smoke on their property at any time.
Rockyview & District Elementary Education Society/ ECI Learning Academy:
Chestermere Star Kids is pleased to announce our partnership with Rockyview & District Elementary Education Society/ ECI Learning Academy. Rockyview and District Primary Education Society/ECI Learning Academy will provide specialized early intervention services through Unit Funding (PUF) and Mild-Moderate (MM) support for eligible children in our preschool. These services may include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and psychological support, which are designed to help children reach their full developmental potential.
Participation in these services is completely voluntary. Parents/guardians have the right to: Accept or decline the services provided by Rockyview and District Primary Education Society/ECI Learning Academy. Withdraw consent at any time without affecting their child’s admission to Chestermere Star Kids. Discuss concerns or ask for more information before making a decision for the Chestermere Star Kids team. These services will be free to families.
