Rising Star Academy Before and After Care Center

Honestly, I’m pretty frustrated with the health situation here. The space at Rising Star feels really cramped, and it seems like once one kid gets a sniffle, the whole center has it by the end of the week. I’ve noticed they aren’t very strict about keeping sick kids home, which makes it impossible for my own child to stay healthy. For a place that’s supposed to be a safe spot after school, the cleanliness just isn't where it needs to be, especially in those high-traffic play areas. Communications about outbreaks or even just general hygiene are basically non-existent. It's affordable, but I'm constantly worried about what kind of germs are hanging around the facility.

It's a bit of a mixed bag at Rising Star. On the plus side, it's nice that they provide three hot meals and have transportation options, which is a huge help for working parents. The staff seems to really love the kids and you can tell they aren't just there for a paycheck. However, the communication can be a bit of a headache; it took forever to get a call back about enrollment and getting clear info on their sick-child policy was like pulling teeth. The facility on Halsted feels a little cramped, and while it's generally clean, I do worry about how quickly germs spread in the smaller spaces when flu season hits. It's a decent, safe spot for after-care, but don't expect a high-end wellness facility.