A consistent daily routine is an important support for young children in an early learning environment. It builds their sense of trust and control and enables them to participate more fully in planning their own explorations and in engaging as active members of the classroom community.
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Younger Preschoolers |
Older Preschoolers (AM/PM) |
Infant/Toddler |
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8:30-8:45 Arrival Children arrive, wash hands, and sign in by answering the Question of the Day. Teachers and student caregivers greet parents and facilitate the transition, helping children make “plans” for exploration. |
8:30 or 12:45 Arrival Children arrive, wash hands, and answer the Question of the Day. The staff and student caregivers greet parents and facilitate the transition. Children participate in table activities until class meeting. |
8:45-9:00 Arrival Families arrive, parents sign in, and student caregivers and staff help each child transition in. Parents stay until their child feels comfortable, then initiate their individual "goodbye ritual," supported by child's ECL caregiver. |
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8:45 Indoor Work Time Children carry out their "plans" for exploration. |
8:40 or 12:55 Class Meeting Teachers and children gather to review new classroom activities, learn social skills, and engage in large-group discussion/decision making. |
8:45 Free Exploration Time Children explore the environment and play individually or together. Activities, interactions and shared book reading facilitated by caregivers. |
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9:45 Transition Children and teachers work together to tidy the classroom. |
8:50 or 1:05 Small Group Children participate in teacher-initiated learning experiences designed to extend classroom explorations and promote the development of new skills. |
9:35 Infant Snack Time Infants eat snack (brought from home) in their group of two with their caregiver, sitting in small chairs at low tables. They are helped to do as much self-feeding as they indicate they are ready to do. |
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9:55 Indoor Group Time Teachers and children gather for songs, fingerplays, and games, followed by shared book reading. |
9:05 or 1:20 Indoor Work Time Children make and carry out “plans” for exploration. |
9:30 Toddlers Transition to Circle Time Adults and toddlers gather briefly for songs, games, puppet stories and active book reading. |
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10:10 Transition Children wash their hands and transition to snack. |
9:45 or 2:00 Transition Children and teachers work together to tidy the classroom. |
9:45 Toddler Snack Time Toddlers eat snack (brought from home) in their group of three with their caregiver, in small chairs at low tables. Children are helped to do as much self-feeding as they indicate they are ready to do. |
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10:15 Snack Time Caregivers and their target groups share a healthy snack and quality conversation. |
9:50 or 2:05 Indoor Group Time Teachers and children gather for songs, fingerplays, and games, followed by a teacher-initiated shared-book reading. |
Post-Snack Time Diapering and Free Play |
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10:30 Outdoor Time Children participate in open-ended learning experiences in a natural setting. |
10:05 or 2:20 Transition Children wash their hands and transition to snack. |
10:45 Outdoor Play Infant and toddler groups each have their own play yards, with natural areas to explore and equipment appropriate for their developmental levels. |
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11:05 Transition Children and teachers tidy the outdoor classroom together. |
10:10 or 2:25 Snack Caregivers and their target groups share a healthy snack and quality conversation. |
11:25 Clean-up and Transition |
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11:10 Outdoor Group Time Teachers and children gather for songs, fingerplays, oral stories, and action games. Families are welcome to join. |
10:25 or 2:40 Outdoor Time Children participate in open-ended learning experiences in a natural setting. |
11:30-11:45 Circle Time (indoors or outdoors, as weather permits) and Departure Family members who are able may join their child's group for this closing time of songs, rhymes and circle games. Caregivers and staff check in with parents/family caregivers about their child's morning before departing. |
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11:20-11:30 Departure Children are dismissed as parents arrive. Staff and student caregivers check in with parents and share information about the day’s events. |
11:05 or 3:20 Transition Children and teachers tidy the outdoor classroom together. |
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11:10 or 3:25 Outdoor Group Time Teachers and children gather for songs, fingerplays, oral stories, and action games. Families are welcome to join. |
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11:20-11:30 or 3:35-3:45 Departure Children are dismissed as parents arrive. Staff and student caregivers check in with parents and share information about the day’s events. |
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