Frequently Asked Questions
What is VHG Group?
Les Petits Étoiles welcomes children from 2 to 5 years old and provides a nurturing, stimulating, and age-appropriate preschool experience.
Is part-time enrollment available?
Please note that we cannot guarantee an extension or change to a child’s schedule later in the school year.
Do you offer makeup days?
Makeup days are also not provided when the school must close due to inclement weather or another emergency.
Is there a sibling discount?
What is your refund and withdrawal policy?
- The one-time family application fee is nonrefundable.
- In the event of withdrawal, the one-month deposit will be applied toward the child’s final month of tuition.
- There is no additional withdrawal fee.
- If a child withdraws in the middle of a month, tuition will not be prorated or refunded for unattended days.
What should my child bring on the first day?
All belongings must be clearly labeled with the child’s name.
Please bring:
- Indoor shoes, such as closed-back slippers, sneakers, or closed-back sandals
- A blanket and comfort item, if needed, placed inside a large resealable bag
- Two complete changes of clothing appropriate for the season
- A family photograph to be placed in your child’s cubby
- Any additional items requested by your child’s teacher
Families will receive information about the school’s current lunch and snack program before their child’s start date.
Is there a transition period for new students?
Yes. The first week is a gradual transition period designed to help children become comfortable with their teachers, classmates, and new environment.
Children who adjust comfortably may be able to remain at school for longer periods. However, we encourage all new families to follow the recommended transition schedule because a gradual start can support the child’s long-term adjustment.
A typical transition schedule is:
- First day: 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
- Second day: 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
- Third and fourth days: 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., or until 3:00 p.m. for children enrolled in an extended or enrichment program
- Fifth day: First full day for children who have transitioned comfortably
The schedule may be adjusted based on each child’s individual needs.
Are early or late arrivals or departures allowed?
Consistent arrival and departure times are strongly encouraged because they help children participate fully in the classroom routine.
May another family member or friend pick up my child?
If someone who is not already authorized will be picking up your child, you must notify the school through the communication app or by email. The individual must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
If an unauthorized person arrives and we cannot reach a parent or guardian for approval, the child will not be released. Late pickup fees will continue to apply when applicable.
What is the Code of Conduct?
All students, families, staff members, and visitors are expected to follow a code of conduct that supports a safe, respectful, and inclusive school community.
Our expectations include:
- Respect for human dignity
- No verbal abuse, harassment, threats, or intimidation
- Respect for individual and group safety
- Respect for diversity and privacy
- Honesty and integrity
- Respect for personal and school property
- Compliance with laws concerning weapons, alcohol, and drugs
What is the discipline policy?
Our goal is to help children develop self-control, express their feelings appropriately, understand boundaries, and learn to interact respectfully with others.
When guidance is necessary, it is provided calmly and respectfully. Children will never be subjected to physical punishment, humiliation, verbal abuse, or isolation from their classroom community.
Is Les Petits Étoiles a nut-free school?
Food containing nuts or nut ingredients may not be brought into the school. This includes products such as peanut butter, Nutella, almond milk, and cereals, baked goods, or snacks containing nuts.
Families should review ingredient and allergen labels carefully before sending food to school.
Can the school administer medication?
Exceptions may be made for emergency allergy or asthma medications, including an EpiPen, Benadryl, or prescribed asthma medication. The school must receive the required medical forms and standing orders from the child’s healthcare provider before any medication can be stored or administered.
Please contact the school administration for the required documentation.
Do you accept children who are not immunized?
Updated immunization records must be submitted as required. Failure to provide the necessary documentation may result in exclusion from school.
Does my child need to be toilet-trained?
Do children go outside?
Outdoor time may be shortened or canceled during extreme heat or cold, poor air quality, inclement weather, or other unsafe conditions. Families should send children in weather-appropriate clothing each day.
Do you celebrate birthdays?
Families may provide a simple nut-free cake or cupcakes with advance approval from the school. Candy, elaborate sweets, and goody bags should not be brought to school.
Please coordinate with your child’s teacher or the school administration before bringing any birthday food or supplies.
Illness and Sick Policy
Sick children will not be accepted into school. If a child is sent home because of illness, including fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they must remain home and meet the applicable return requirements outlined below.
Fever of 100.4°F or Higher
Children may return after they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Vomiting / Diarrhea
If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, please keep your child home until they have been free of symptoms for at least 24 hours and are able to eat and drink normally. Diarrhea is defined as runny or watery stools or two or more unusually loose stools within a four-hour period.
Chickenpox
Exclude the child until all lesions have scabbed over and no new spots have appeared for at least 24 hours.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Exclude the child until all drainage or discharge from the eyes has stopped.
Impetigo
The child may return 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment and with permission from a physician.
Sore Throat
A child with a sore throat and no other symptoms may attend school. However, the child must remain home if white spots, redness, or swollen glands are visible in the back of the throat.
Strep Throat
The child may return 24 hours after beginning antibiotic treatment and with permission from a physician.
Common Cold
A child with a fever must remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. The child may return with a mild runny nose or cough if they otherwise feel well enough to participate in the school day.
Flu
Children experiencing acute flu symptoms must remain home. If a child has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, they may return after they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Headache
A child whose only symptom is a headache generally does not need to remain home. However, if a severe headache follows a fall or blow to the head, the child’s physician should be contacted.
Rash
A child with an unexplained rash will not be accepted without a physician’s note confirming that the child may safely return and is not contagious.
If Your Child Becomes Ill at School
When a child becomes ill at school, their parent or guardian will be contacted and asked to pick them up. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the child’s emergency contact will be called.
These guidelines are based on the NYC Sick Policy and Department of Health Regulations .