Daily Routine
7:00am-Daycare Open
7:30am-8:30am-Breakfast
8:30am-TV Time
9:00am-Free Play
10:00-Snack Time
10:30am-Outdoor Play
11:30am-Quiet Time & TV Time
12:00pm-Lunch Time
1:00pm-Nap Time
3:00pm-Snack Time
3:30pm-Homework & Quiet Time
4:30pm-Free Play
5:00pm-Activites
5:30pm-Dinner Time
6:30pm-TV Time or Movie Time
7:00pm-Snack Time
7:30pm-Wash Up
8:00pm-TV Time
8:30pm-Bedtime
12:15am-Pickup Time
The children that are here later then 5:15pm (extended hour) complete a craft and enjoy quiet activities at that kitchen table until parents arrive. Children's quiet activity choices are: Lego's, Flubber, Play Dough, Mr. Potato Head, colouring, or reading quietly. This is also a great time for school age children to start their homework.
During the day the children and I enjoy games, singing songs, craft activities, circle time, reading stories, playing outside and more.
Daily Program Description
Free Play
The children have the benefit of using the materials set out for them in each of the daycare areas. The areas are set up so that the materials are easily reached by all of the children. Each area encourages a different type of play and learning. The daycare areas consist of: dramatic play area, building area, books/puzzle area, sensory area, and art area.
Circle Time
During circle time the children sit as a group. We complete our calendar activities. We talk about what month it is, day it is, the weather, and our special days. Our special days are birthdays, park day, and library day. We also dress our felt weather person in appropriate clothing for the day.
After we talk about our day we usually complete an activity that reflects on our weekly theme as well as one of our learning objectives (numbers, alphabet, shapes, or colors).
Then the children and I close circle time by singing songs. We sing ones that we already know and we learn other songs that reflect our weekly theme.
Outside Time
Generally outside time is free play time where the children are able to play with gross motor toys. I provide the children with a swing set, slides, ride on toys/tricycles, balls, basket ball net, sand box, sprinkler, and tables to sit at. During the winter months the children are provided with snow shovels, toboggans, and other snow toys.
In the summer months we sometimes have our snack time outside. We do this only if it is not too hot or raining.
Rest/Sleep Time
This is the time where the younger children of the group have time to have a nap. I provide cots and play pens for children to sleep on. Children are welcome to bring one item other than a soother to sleep with. (stuffed toy, blanket, etc)
The children that do not sleep are able to watch a t.v. show or a movie during this time. The older children sit quietly on the couch. They are welcome to bring something quiet for this time from home if preferred. (book, walkman, game boy, etc)
I use this time during the day to work on planning for the children for up coming activities. I also use this time to eat my lunch and have a break!
T.V. & MOVIES: The movies and shows that I provide for the children are non violent movies. Some of the t.v. shows that we watch are Sesame Street, Bear in the Big Blue House, Dora the Explorer, Blues Glues, etc. The choice of movies consist of Disney. Some of the movies I have are: Dumbo, Monsters Inc., Ice Age, Hot Wheels, Three Musketeers, Mickey Mouse's Christmas, etc.
Our daily schedule is very flexible to allow for unplanned events or other opportunities that may arise throughout the day. Some days we do not fit all this in....but we try!
We have a movie day once a week on Fridays. I choose the movie! Sometimes we will have a picnic in the living room floor with a large blanket and lots of pillows.....and we eat our snack while watching the movie. This is only done as a special reward "cause we had such a good day"!
We do go outside everyday to play in the neighborhood park (weather permitting). On those cold or rainy days, we enjoy indoor please bring indoor shoes and long pants, for lots of active play.
Most washroom visits are not “scheduled” here. We follow the cues of the children and diapering happens as frequently as necessary, as do visits to the toilets. We don’t wait for an hourly visit to accommodate our body’s necessary functions, although we do insist on regular visits to ensure that each child has opportunities to “go”…because sometimes it’s difficult to remember during fun playtimes.