Schedule
7 am
Breakfast, Quiet Free Play, and Individual Work
At our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, each child begins the day with a nutritious, balanced breakfast. We serve all three required components—milk (whole or 1%), a whole grain and/or protein, and a fruit or vegetable. Our menu is thoughtfully planned around the children in our care, offering healthy options we know our little minds will enjoy. During this time, we offer Quiet Free Play to help children transition smoothly into their day. Some children arrive early and still need rest, while others are ready to engage. Quiet free play provides a calm, peaceful environment where children can rest or explore age-appropriate learning materials at their own pace. We also use this block for Individual Work (IW), allowing for one-on-one or small-pair instruction. This focused time helps reinforce previously introduced concepts, support skills that need extra practice, and introduce new approaches when helpful. A daily read-aloud is included as well, nurturing early literacy and a love for reading.
9:30 am
Circle Time
During Circle Time at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children gather together to take part in group activities such as singing songs, reading stories, and reviewing the day’s schedule. This time is also used to introduce new learning themes for the day and week, helping children feel prepared and excited about what they will explore. Circle Time supports the development of important social skills, listening, and following routines while fostering a strong sense of community. By participating together, children learn to take turns, engage respectfully with others, and feel confident in a predictable daily structure.
9:45 am
Literacy
During the Literacy block at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children take part in activities that support early reading and writing development. This time includes listening to stories, exploring picture books, singing alphabet songs, and practicing early writing skills such as drawing shapes and forming letters. These literacy activities help build vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness, laying a strong foundation for future reading and writing success in a developmentally appropriate way.
10 am
Physical Fitness & Outdoor Play
Our Physical Fitness block is designed to promote physical development, coordination, and healthy habits through intentional lesson plans. During this time, toddlers engage in activities such as running, jumping, climbing, dancing, and playing with balls. We also pair these activities with outdoor playtime to enhance their gross motor skills, balance, and overall physical health. This block provides a fun and energetic way for children to release energy and develop a love for active play.
10:25 am
Snack
During Snack Time at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children are served up to three nutritious components: milk (whole or 1%), a protein and/or whole grain, and a fruit or vegetable. Before snack, children wash their hands after outdoor play to ensure they are clean and ready to eat. Snack Time provides a healthy, balanced break in the day that supports growth and energy needs. We also include a read-aloud during this block, enriching the routine with engaging stories and encouraging a growing love for reading.
10:45 am
Wash Up, Free Play, and Individual Work
After Snack Time, children wash their hands and transition into Free Play at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas. During this time, children explore learning materials that interest them, reinforcing skills and concepts through hands-on, play-based experiences. This block also includes Individual Work, where children receive focused support in very small groups—either one-on-one or in pairs. Individual Work helps reinforce previously introduced concepts and provides extra practice using new approaches when needed, ensuring each child receives personalized support for their learning and development.
11:15 am
Creative Art
During Creative Art at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children explore self-expression through activities such as drawing, painting, and simple crafts. These hands-on experiences support the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and early problem-solving. Creative Art encourages imaginative thinking and confidence as children experiment with materials and ideas. This engaging block gives children a positive outlet for creativity while supporting important early learning skills.
11:45 am
Wash Up, Clean Up, Free Play, and Individual Work
After Creative Art, the children wash up and clean up their area. Once that's done, they enjoy some free play, where they can explore learning materials that interest them. This time is also used for Individual Work, allowing us to engage with children in smaller groups, either one-on-one or in pairs. We focus on helping them with previously covered concepts and materials they might not have mastered yet, providing new approaches to their learning for the best start possible.
12:25 pm
Lunch
During Lunch at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children are served all five required components: milk (whole or 1%), a fruit, a vegetable, a whole grain, and a protein. Meals are thoughtfully planned to support healthy growth and balanced nutrition. While children enjoy their lunch, we include a read-aloud that is developmentally appropriate for toddlers. Being read to during mealtime supports language and early literacy development, introduces new words and concepts, and helps foster a lifelong love of books and storytelling in a calm, engaging way.
12:50 pm
Wash Up
After lunch and before nap time at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children wash their hands and brush their teeth. This routine helps promote healthy hygiene habits and ensures children are clean, comfortable, and ready to rest. Practicing daily hygiene in a calm, guided way supports independence and reinforces healthy routines that children can carry home.
1 pm
Naptime, Rest, Quiet Activities and IW
After washing up, children transition into Nap and Rest Time at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas. Children who nap are given a quiet, comfortable space to rest, while those who do not nap may engage in calm activities and independent work to maintain a peaceful environment for everyone. We also include a gentle read-aloud during this time to help children wind down. Listening to stories supports listening skills, builds vocabulary, and sparks imagination, making it a soothing and developmentally appropriate way to rest and enjoy a story together.
2:30 pm
STEM
During our STEM block at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, toddlers take part in fun, hands-on activities that introduce early concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math. Children explore the natural world by planting seeds and discovering different textures such as water and sand. Using simple tools, interactive toys, and building materials like blocks and LEGO® bricks, children learn about cause and effect and practice early engineering skills. They also build foundational math skills by counting objects, sorting by color or size, and matching shapes with puzzles. These STEM activities encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and critical thinking while nurturing a natural love for learning in a developmentally appropriate way.
3 pm
Snack
During Snack Time at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children are served a balanced selection that includes whole or 1% milk, a protein or grain, and a fresh fruit or vegetable. This nutritious break helps children recharge and refuel while enjoying time with their friends. We also include a read-aloud during Snack Time, adding an extra layer of learning and enjoyment. Listening to engaging stories supports language development, attention skills, and a growing love for books.
3:30 pm
Outdoor Play
Our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas takes advantage of the nearby park across the street for daily outdoor play. This time allows children to run, explore, and participate in a variety of physical activities that support healthy physical development and positive social interactions. Whether children are playing on the playground, joining group games, or enjoying nature, outdoor play is an important and enjoyable part of our daily routine. These experiences help build gross motor skills, cooperation, and a love for active play in a safe, supervised environment.
4:15 pm
Music & Movement
During Music and Movement at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, toddlers express themselves through rhythm, song, and dance. Activities include singing, playing simple instruments, and moving to music in ways that support gross motor development and coordination. Music and Movement provides a fun, active outlet that helps children build confidence, social skills, and self-expression in a supportive environment. This joyful time encourages participation, cooperation, and a love for music while keeping children engaged and active.
4:15 pm
Music & Movement
Music and Movement is a fun and engaging activity where toddlers can express themselves through rhythm and dance. This includes singing songs, playing instruments, and doing fun movements that help develop gross motor skills. It's a fantastic way for children to have fun, stay active, and learn in a supportive environment. Watch as your little ones build confidence and social skills while enjoying the joy of music!
4:45 pm
Wash Up
After Music and Movement, children wash their hands at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas to prepare for dinner. This routine helps toddlers learn the importance of good hygiene while creating a smooth transition into mealtime. Caregivers guide children through proper handwashing, ensuring they are clean, comfortable, and ready to enjoy a nutritious meal in a calm, supportive setting.
5 pm
Dinner
During Dinner Time at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children are served all five required components: milk (whole or 1%), a protein, a vegetable, a fruit, and a whole grain. Meals are thoughtfully prepared to support healthy growth and balanced nutrition. While children enjoy their dinner, we include a gentle read-aloud to create a calm and enriching mealtime experience. Reading during dinner supports language development, listening skills, and a positive connection between food, routine, and learning.
5:30 pm
Free Play & Individual Work
After dinner at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, children transition into Free Play and Individual Work. During Free Play, children explore activities that interest them, supporting creativity, independence, and social interaction through play-based learning. Individual Work provides focused support through one-on-one or small-group sessions. This time is used to reinforce concepts a child is still developing, offering personalized guidance that builds confidence, understanding, and continued progress.
Our Curriculum in Action
When reviewing our daily schedule, families may wonder how children become school-ready with so much free play, outdoor time, and activity-based learning. At our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas, we want to reassure you that from drop-off to pick-up, your child participates in a full day of meaningful learning.
As educators who follow a Learn Through Play philosophy, we intentionally design every part of the day to support learning and development. Through play, children explore new ideas, build skills, and deepen understanding in a way that is natural, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. We create a rich environment where play becomes the foundation for academic readiness.
How Learning Through Play Supports School Readiness
1. Open-Ended Materials
We provide a variety of open-ended materials such as blocks, art supplies, and sensory tools. These materials encourage creativity, exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
2. Hands-On Experiences
Children actively engage with materials and their surroundings by manipulating objects, experimenting, and making discoveries through hands-on play.
3. Play-Based Lessons
We intentionally incorporate play into structured learning. Games, role-playing, and dramatic play are used to introduce early math concepts, language skills, and basic science ideas.
4. Child-Led Interests
We observe each child’s interests and use them to guide activity planning. Building lessons around what children are naturally curious about keeps learning meaningful and motivating.
5. Collaboration and Social Learning
Children are given opportunities to work together through cooperative play. These experiences help develop communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional awareness.
6. Reflection and Discussion
We engage children in conversations about their play, encouraging them to talk about what they’ve learned, ask questions, and share ideas. This supports language development and deeper understanding.
Our Philosophy in Action
Language Development
We promote language development at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas by engaging children in daily conversations, reading books, and singing songs. Children are encouraged to imitate sounds and words in a language-rich environment that supports early communication skills.
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Strong language development is essential because it lays the foundation for communication and early literacy. These experiences help children expand their vocabulary, strengthen listening skills, and learn how to express thoughts and feelings effectively. Reading and singing also introduce new words and concepts while fostering a love for books and storytelling.
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By nurturing language skills from an early age, we help set children up for success in school and in everyday life.
For more information about this approach, please read our related blog post: [Read more about language development through play].
Sensory Exploration
We provide infants and toddlers with regular opportunities for sensory play at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas through activities such as finger painting, sensory bins, and textured toys. These hands-on experiences help children explore their senses while supporting early cognitive and motor development.
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Sensory play is important because it stimulates the brain and supports overall growth. As children explore different textures, colors, and materials, they begin to make connections, understand cause and effect, and strengthen fine motor skills.
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Sensory activities also encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. By offering a rich sensory environment, we help children build a strong foundation for future learning and healthy development.
Social and Emotional Development
We support social and emotional development at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas by creating daily opportunities for children to interact with peers and caregivers. Through group play, sharing toys, and expressing emotions during play, children learn how to connect with others in positive and meaningful ways.
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These experiences are important because they help children build essential social skills, emotional awareness, and empathy. As children learn to recognize and express their own feelings, they also begin to understand the emotions of others, strengthening emotional intelligence.
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By providing a nurturing and supportive environment, we help lay the foundation for healthy relationships, self-confidence, and overall well-being as children grow.
Fine Motor Skills
We support fine motor skill development at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas through hands-on activities such as stacking blocks, completing puzzles, and using crayons or finger paints. These activities help children strengthen hand-eye coordination, control, and dexterity.
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Fine motor skills are essential for everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and early writing. They also play an important role in cognitive development by helping children manipulate objects, explore their environment, and solve problems.
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By providing regular opportunities to practice these skills, we help children build a strong foundation for independence and future learning.
Gross Motor Skills
We support gross motor development at our in-home daycare in Lubbock, Texas by providing daily opportunities for infants and toddlers to move and explore. Activities such as crawling, climbing, and playing with balls help children build strength, balance, and coordination in a safe, supervised environment.
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Gross motor activities are essential for healthy physical development. Crawling strengthens core muscles and coordination, climbing supports upper-body strength and balance, and ball play helps develop hand-eye coordination and early throwing and catching skills.
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By encouraging active movement throughout the day, we help children build confidence in their physical abilities and lay the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle.