Welcome to Morning Star Academy

Morning Star was created to invest in the lives of God's children by helping them grow mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. We know that each of the children God puts in our path have unique talents and are designed for an intentional purpose. Our goal is to help them discover those talents, skills, and passions so that they can use those talents to bring glory to God in their homes, churches, and communities.

MSA opened in 2013 with 34 students infants through first grade. In the first three year, enrollment grew at a fast pace and increased by 500%. After completing our third year, we received full accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 2016.

Please don't hesitate to ask if you need help. It is our pleasure to serve you as you adapt to your new role. Here are a few people you can go to if you need help.

In addition to our fully accredited PK-6th grade programs, MSA is licensed through the state of Texas to provide childcare services. Many of the programs we provide fall under the guidelines outlined in the Minimum Standards for Childcare Licensing. These standards outline the bare minimum we must do to ensure the safety of the children in our care. Please take some time to look over the standards paying particular attention to ratios, transportation, discipline and guidance, health and safety, field trips, and general care of school age children. While our accredited programs do not necessarily fall under the same guidelines, they provide a foundation of best practices for keeping kids safe and healthy while in our care.

During this session, we will go through the Parent Handbook and Employee Handbook provided. By the end of the session, you should be able to answer the following:

Discipline & Guidance
In your own words, what is the MSA discipline policy. What does this look like on a daily basis? What does it NOT look like?

Child Abuse
How do I know if a child is at risk for child abuse? Am I required to report child abuse? What if I'm not 100% sure? Where can I go for help if I think one of the children in my care have experienced abuse?

Employee Illness and Absences
What do I do if I become ill or need to miss work? Who do I need to contact? When should I contact them?

Releasing Children
When and where can I release children? Who can I release children to? What can I do if I'm not sure if I should release a child to a person?

Parking

Back two rows is employee parking. Staff park in lot next to school for special events.

Employee Dress Code
What can I wear to work each day? Is there anything I cannot wear? What can I do if I have a tatoo or piercing? What can I wear on special days such as field trips and field day?

Parking

Back two rows is employee parking. Staff park in lot next to school for special events.

Each of you will be provided with extensive training in administering first aid and CPR. The intent of this session is to provide a brief overview of the policies and procedures in place for keeping kids safe and healthy while in our care. We will go over where items are located, such as fire extinguishers, first aid and evacuation maps. In addition, we will go over how to prevent injuries, what to do in an emergency and how to document minor cuts, scrapes, and bumps. Following the session, you will complete a brief quiz. To start, lets go on a scavenger hunt!

Preventing Injury
How can I prevent children from injuring themselves or others? What does active supervision look like?

Cell Phone Use
When and where can I use my cell phone? Where should my phone be when I am caring for children? What if someone needs to get a hold of me for an emergency?

When Accidents Happen
When and how do I document minor injuries? Who needs to sign the documentation? Where do I find Hurts & Hugs forms?

Handling and Storing Hazardous Materials
Where should cleaning supplies be kept? How do I access them when needed? How do I dispose of hazardous materials? What should I do with contaminated clothing?

Illness
What should I do if I think a child isn't feeling well? When should a child be sent home? Who makes the call to send a child home? What should I do with a child while they are waiting to be picked up?

Medication
Under what circumstances can MSA employee administer medication? Who at MSA is responsible for administering medication? Where and how is medication stored and documented?

Sunscreen & Bug Repellent
When and where should I apply sunscreen and bug repellent? Who provides sunscreen & bug repellent? Must I have permission to apply?

Managing Food Allergies at MSA
How do I know which children have food allergies? What do I do if a child accidentally comes into contact with an allergen? Where are emergency medications stored?

Safety on Field Trips
How often do I take roll? What do I need to bring along? What is the child to caregiver ratio when we are on a field trip? Do all of the minimum standards still apply when we are on a field trip?

Emergency Preparedness
Where do I find the MSA emergency plan and procedures? What do I do in the event of an emergency? What is in my red backpack? When should I carry the red backpack?

Building & Grounds Safety
What are some of the building features that help keep kids safe? What should I do if I see a safety violation?