DHS Star-Quality Childcare Program

We are a 3 Star Facility with the DHS Star Quality Child Care Program!

The DHS Star Quality Child Care Program is a voluntary program for child care providers that encourages and recognizes quality child care programs. Each program is evaluated on 7 Areas of Quality:

  1. The director’s qualifications or experience, education, and training.
  2. The education, training, and previous work experience of teaching staff.
  3. Developmental learning.
  4. Parent and family involvement.
  5. Ratios and group size.
  6. The center’s pay and benefit plans for staff.
  7. Program assessment (on-site observation).

In addition to meeting DHS Licensure Standards, CYEC has security measures (link) in place to further ensure the well-being and safety of participants and staff.

This is the information for the Security Measures link…

From first aid training for emergency situations to sanitation and ensuring a clean and healthy environment for children, all procedures are designed with the safety and security of children in mind. Although scraped knees are a part of growing up, you can have confidence that your child is cared for in a secure, nurturing environment every day.

How we ensure health and safety at Creative Youth Enrichment Center

Playground

  • Our high quality playground equipment is safe, sturdy and tested to ensure it is secure and in good working order.
  • Safe fall zones with soft landing areas if your child takes a tumble.
  • All outside play areas are surrounded by secure fencing.
  • The playground is divided into separate areas for different age groups, each with age-appropriate equipment and toys.

Wellness

  • We assess every child’s health by talking with parents and monitoring for symptoms during the course of the day.
  • Parents are notified when a child does not feel well to help prevent an illness from spreading.

Sanitation

  • Centers are cleaned each day with safe, non-toxic cleaning products.
  • Cleaning supplies are locked safely out of reach of children.
  • Toys are sanitized throughout the day to help prevent the spread of germs.
  • Children are encouraged to wash their hands throughout the day by singing songs and teaching lessons about health and hygiene.
  • Diapering is conducted in an area separate from children’s play areas.

Medications

  • We have strict policies for administering medication to your child to ensure they are protected.
  • Medications are stored securely out of the reach of children.
  • Medicine must be in original prescription bottle with dose instructions clearly listed.
  • Parents must complete a “Permission to Administer Medication” form and a log when medications are left with the center and returned to the parent.

Security

  • Our center is secured so that only authorized staff and families may enter.
  • In our classrooms, we use safety gates and cap electrical outlets.
  • Our center has smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Emergencies

  • We have a DHS approved Emergency Preparedness Plan at the center. Please ask the staff if you would like to see the plan.
  • Monthly fire and tornado drills are conducted to ensure staff and children are aware of their roles in the event of an emergency.

Feeding

  • All perishable food is refrigerated.
  • We meet the food and safety standards of DHS and the Health Department.
  • Menus are planned so that children have nutritious foods.