STARS Academy

🚐 We’re Hiring: Van Rider!

STARS Academy is looking for a dependable, caring Van Rider to help support the safe and efficient transportation of our patients to and from STARS Academy.

This position is a great fit for someone who is punctual, communicates well, works well with others, and is committed to patient safety.

🕐 Split Shift Schedule:
☀️ Morning: 5:30 AM–8:45 AM
🌤️ Afternoon: 1:15 PM–5:00 PM

Ready to make a difference while helping our patients get where they need to go safely? ❤️⭐️

👉 Apply online today:
https://www.mystarsacademy.org/apply-now

🎉 Happy 15 Year Workiversary, Angela! 🎉
Today we’re celebrating 15 years of Angela at STARS Academy! As a Physical Therapist Assistant, Angela has spent the last 15 years helping kids grow, accomplish new things, and celebrating right alongside them through every small and big win.
🌟 When asked what she loves most about her job, Angela said it’s definitely the kiddos! She loves cheering them on, watching them grow, and seeing those bright eyes, wide smiles, and big hugs when they realize they’ve accomplished something new.
🌟 Over the years, Angela says she has learned patience, unconditional love, humility, and just how huge even the smallest accomplishment can be.
🌟 When it comes to favorite memories, there are simply too many to choose from. For Angela, it’s every time a child does something they couldn’t do before. It’s building a deep bond and earning the trust of a child who once held back, then getting to watch them learn, grow, and accomplish new things.
Angela feels blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of our kiddos’ lives and their growth, and we feel just as blessed to have had Angela as part of the STARS team for 15 years.❤️✨

Reminder: STARS will be closed at 3:00 today and closed all day tomorrow! ❤️⭐️🎓

Join us in celebrating Ms. Kyla today!! Happy birthday, Kyla! 🎂❤️⭐️

Sensory Series: Understanding Vestibular Input ✨
Created by the STARS Occupational Therapy Department to support families and educators.

Children with sensory processing differences may have difficulty organizing and responding to sensory information. Some become over-aroused, making it hard to focus or regulate emotions, while others may seem tired, inattentive, or seek extra movement. Purposeful sensory activities can help the brain better process information from the senses, improving attention, self-regulation, and participation in learning.

These photos highlight vestibular input, which is the sensory system responsible for movement and balance. For some children, activities like swinging can increase eye contact, joint attention, engagement, and joy, helping them become more available for learning and connection.

Every child is unique, and no two children with sensory processing differences experience the world in exactly the same way. While one child may benefit from a particular type of sensory input, the same approach may not be effective—or appropriate—for another. Because each child’s sensory profile and needs are different, it is important to consult with an occupational therapist to identify individualized strategies and activities that best support their development, self-regulation, and participation in daily life. 💙🌟

🎉 Happy 1 Year Workiversary, Yvonne! 🎉
We’re celebrating Yvonne’s first year at STARS Academy!
🌟 What is your favorite part of working at STARS?
“My favorite part of working at STARS is building connections with the children. I love seeing them every day, watching them come out of their shells, show off their unique personalities and skills, and celebrating each accomplishment right alongside them.”
🌟 What’s one thing you’ve learned from the children you’ve worked with?
“One thing I’ve learned is how important consistency is. Sticking to routines and setting healthy boundaries creates a predictable environment that encourages learning, builds trust, and helps children thrive.”
🌟 What’s a proud moment from your time at STARS?
“A proud moment for me is knowing that I can provide a safe place for the children I work with. Learning how each child communicates their needs and being able to provide the support they need reminds me how meaningful this work truly is. I am so proud to be part of such an amazing team!”
Thank you, Yvonne, for the compassion, consistency, and care you bring to your classroom every day. We are so happy to have you on the STARS team! ❤️✨

📢 Reminder for STARS families!

STARS Academy will close early at 3:00 PM this Thursday, and we will be closed all day Friday. ❤️⭐️🎓

Important notice! ❤️⭐️🎓

Welcome to our Sensory Series! 💙
We’re excited to introduce a new educational series created by STARS Academy’s Occupational Therapy Department! Throughout this series, our OT team will share professional insights, practical strategies, and real-life examples to help families and educators better understand sensory processing and how it supports children’s development.

🌟 Did you know that every child processes sensory information differently? 🌟
For some children, the brain has difficulty organizing and responding to the sights, sounds, movement, touch, and other sensory input they experience throughout the day. This can make it harder to focus, regulate emotions, participate in activities, or engage with others. Some children become overwhelmed by sensory input, while others seek additional movement or sensory experiences to help their bodies feel ready to learn.
Occupational therapists use purposeful, play-based activities to provide sensory experiences that support a child’s development. Over time, these experiences can help improve attention, self-regulation, participation, and engagement in everyday activities. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sensory processing. Every child has unique strengths and needs, and strategies that work well for one child may not be appropriate for another. That’s why individualized assessment and intervention by an occupational therapist are so important.

Throughout this series, we’ll share photos, videos, therapist insights, and easy-to-understand explanations to help families and educators better understand sensory processing and the important role it plays in a child’s everyday life. We hope you’ll follow along as we explore sensory systems and the many ways occupational therapy helps children thrive. ❤️⭐️