FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How and where do I sign up?
   
   Applications are available online and at:
   City of Moreno Parks and Community Services Department
   14075 Frederick Street
   Moreno Valley, California 92553
   Telephone 951.413.3682
2. Cost of Program?
   The S.T.A.R.S. program is free of charge.
3. At which school sites is the S.T.A.R.S. program available?
   We are in co-operation with both the Moreno Valley and Val Verde Unified School Districts (select the schools tab at the top of the page to view available sites)
4. My child is in kindergarten? Can he/she attend?
   Yes, but only if the child attends the p.m. kindergarten session.
   
5. What are the program hours?
   The S.T.A.R.S. After School Program is in operation only on school days during the school year and provides a fun and safe place for children to socialize and learn in a group setting.
   The after school program begins directly after a regular school day ends.
   The program is required to operate three hours per day and a total of 15 hours per week.
   
6. What is the enrollment capacity at a school site?
   Site enrollment varies from site-to-site and is subject to change based on grant funding.
   
7. What are the program hours for early release days?
   Early releases are first verified by the school site and our program will then operate at the early school dismissal time.
   
8. Are there late pick up fees?
   Yes. We advise parents to give site staff a courtesy call. Late pick up fees of $5 per child for every fifteen (15 minutes) are applied. Late fees are only collected at the Conference and Recreation Center and must be paid within two business days.
   
9. Is there a waiting list?
   This is a first come, first served program, but once a site reaches maximum capacity children will be placed on a waiting list. When a permanent space opens up, the first person on the waiting list will be contacted by phone.
   
10. What grades are allowed to participate in the program?
    Participating children are in kindergarten through 8th grade.
    
11. Does the program provide my child with daily snack?
    The City of Moreno Valley participates in the USDA At Risk Food Program. The snacks we serve follow the guidelines of the food program and reflect our concern for your children’s health and development. Snack will be offered daily to all participants.
    
12. What is the policy on absences?
    The parent must notify the site staff by 12:00 noon (refer to schools at the top of the page to receive site number) to report if a child is absent from school or will not be attending the program. Excessive absences or consecutive absences which consist of three or more absences with failure to notify the site staff could result in the child being removed from the program. Note parent or doctor notes are needed for three or more consecutive absences.
    
13. Does my child have to attend daily?
    The California State Legislature intended that elementary and middle school students attend and participate in the entire program: this includes a nutritious snack, homework help, academic support and enrichment. According to EC Section 8483(a)(2), it is the intent of the Legislature that elementary and middle school pupils participate in the full day of the program every day during which pupils participate. Full day of the program is defined as a minimum of 3 hours per day, 15 hours per week. If a student is not attending the full program every day, we will fill those slots with other pupils.
    
14. Who is eligible to sign out my child from the program?
    Only a parent or legal guardian or someone over the age of 18 authorized in writing by you may pick up your child. Note, photo ID will be required to sign out your child.
    
15. My child attends other activities. Can my child still attend the program?
    A child may be released early from the S.T.A.R.S. After School Program prior to the end of the daily program time to the parent or legal guardian under the following conditions:
    1. Recreation/religious/educational program (if applicable). Please fill out “Other Activity” form for approval.
    2. Family Emergency
    3. Medical Appointment
       
    4. In Program Incident (parent would be called and require that child be picked up by parent/guardian)
       
    5. Other conditions agreed upon by the Administration
       

Still have questions? Call 951.413.3682 for more information.