Schedule
7 am
Breakfast, Quiet Free Play, and Individual Work
At our home daycare, we ensure that every child starts their day with a nutritious and balanced breakfast. We serve all three required components: milk (both whole and 1%), a whole grain and/or a protein, and a fruit or vegetable. Our menu is customized to the children in our care, consistently offering healthy options that we know our little minds will enjoy. During this block, we offer 'Quiet Free Play.' This allows children who are dropped off early to enjoy breakfast and then engage with learning materials that interest them. We call this quiet free play because some children arrive very early and still need rest before starting their day. Quiet free play provides a peaceful environment for those children to rest, while others can play quietly. During this block, we also offer Individual Work (IW). This allows us to work individually with children in even smaller groups, either one-on-one or in pairs. We use IW to help kids with previously covered concepts and materials that they have not quite mastered yet. Individual Work allows us to provide new approaches to a child's learning to ensure they get their best start. We also fit a read-aloud into this time, enriching their morning with engaging stories and fostering a love for reading.
9:30 am
Circle Time
During Circle Time, children gather in a circle to participate in group activities such as singing songs, reading stories, and discussing the day's schedule. This time is also used to introduce new learning themes for the day and week, helping to set the tone and get the kids excited about what they’ll be exploring. Circle Time helps develop social skills, listening abilities, and a sense of routine, while also fostering a sense of community among the children.
9:45 am
Literacy
During the Literacy block, we engage in activities that introduce and develop early reading and writing skills. This time includes listening to stories, looking at picture books, singing alphabet songs, and practicing basic writing skills like drawing shapes and letters. These activities help build vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness, laying a strong foundation for future reading and writing success.
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, we serve up to three nutritious components: milk (whole and 1%), a protein and/or a whole grain, and a fruit or vegetable. Before enjoying their snacks, the children will wash up from playing outdoors, ensuring they are clean and ready to eat. This time provides a healthy and balanced break in their day, supporting their growth and development. We also fit a read aloud session into this time as well, enriching their snack break with engaging stories and fostering a love for reading.
10:45 am
Wash Up, Free Play, and Individual Work
After snack time, the children wash up and then enjoy some free play. During this time, they can explore learning materials that interest them, reinforcing learning concepts through play. We also use this time for Individual Work, where we work in even smaller groups, either one-on-one or in pairs. This allows us to help kids with previously covered concepts and materials they haven't quite mastered yet. Individual Work ensures we provide new approaches to each child's learning, giving them the best start possible.
11:15 am
Creative Art
During Creative Art, children have the opportunity to express themselves through various art activities such as drawing, painting, and crafting. This time helps develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and imaginative thinking. It’s a fun and engaging way for children to explore their artistic abilities and let their creativity shine.
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, we serve all five required components: milk (whole and 1%), a fruit, a vegetable, a whole grain, and a protein. While the children enjoy their nutritious meal, they will also be read to, which is developmentally appropriate for toddlers. Being read to not only enhances their language and literacy skills but also fosters a love for reading and storytelling from a young age. It's a wonderful way to engage their imagination and introduce them to new words and concepts in a fun and interactive manner.
12:50 pm
Wash Up
After lunch and before nap time, children will wash their hands and brush their teeth. This helps promote good hygiene habits and ensures they are clean and refreshed for the rest of the day.
1 pm
Naptime, Rest, Quiet Activities and IW
After wash up, children will have a designated time for napping or resting. Those who don't nap can engage in quiet activities and independent work, providing a calm and peaceful environment for everyone. We also use this time for a read aloud session, which is developmentally appropriate as it helps enhance their listening skills, vocabulary, and imagination. It's a wonderful way to wind down and enjoy a good story together
2:30 pm
STEM
During our STEM block, toddlers will engage in fun and interactive activities that introduce basic concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Through hands-on exploration, they will observe the natural world by planting seeds and exploring textures like water and sand. They will use simple tools and interactive toys to learn about cause and effect, and build structures with blocks and LEGO bricks. Additionally, they will develop early math skills by counting objects, sorting toys by color or size, and matching shapes with puzzles. These activities help foster curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a love for learning.
3 pm
Snack
During snack time, we serve a balanced selection that includes 1% or whole milk, a protein or grain, and a fresh fruit or vegetable. This ensures the kiddos get the nutrition they need while enjoying tasty treats. It's the perfect time for them to recharge and catch up with their friends! We also use this time for a read aloud, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment and learning as the children listen to engaging stories.
3:30 pm
Outdoor Play
Our home daycare takes advantage of the beautiful park directly across the street for our outdoor play sessions. This time allows the children to run, explore, and engage in various physical activities, fostering their physical development and social skills. Whether it's playing on the playground, participating in group games, or simply enjoying nature, outdoor play is an essential and enjoyable part of our daily routine.
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!
4:15 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, it's time to wash up before dinner. This routine helps toddlers learn the importance of hygiene and prepares them for mealtime. We'll guide the children through washing their hands thoroughly, ensuring they're clean and ready to enjoy their nutritious meal.
5 pm
Dinner
Dinner time is a special part of our day where we serve all five components: milk (whole and 1%), a protein, a vegetable, a fruit, and a whole grain. While the children enjoy their nutritious meal, we also use this time to read aloud to them, creating a relaxing and educational dining experience.
5:30 pm
Free Play & Individual Work
After dinner, it's time for Free Play and Individual Work. During Free Play, children have the opportunity to explore their interests through various activities and play, fostering creativity and independence. Individual work involves one-on-one or small group sessions to bolster concepts that a child has not yet mastered, helping them gain confidence and understanding in those areas.
7 pm
Snack
Snack time is a great opportunity to refuel! We serve 1% or whole milk, a protein or grain, and a fresh fruit or vegetable. This ensures the children get the nutrition they need to keep their energy up for the rest of the day. During snack time, we also do a read aloud to keep the children engaged while they eat.
7:20 pm
Free Play & Individual Work
Next on our activity schedule is Free Play and Individual Work! During Free Play, the kids can explore their interests and have fun with different activities. Then, we’ll switch to Individual Work, where we can focus on one-on-one or small group sessions to help them with concepts they haven’t mastered yet. It’s a great way to support their learning!
Our Curriculum in Action
When considering the above activity schedule, you may wonder how your child will learn and become school-ready with all the free play, outdoor play, and activities that are not specifically related to play. Rest assured that from the time you drop your child off until the time you pick them back up, they have participated in a full day of learning.
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As educators of the Learn Through Play Philosophy, we are primed to turn every activity into a learning activity. In the Learn through Play philosophy, we capitalize on play to teach children new concepts by creating a rich and engaging environment.
1. Provide Open-Ended Materials: We offer a variety of open-ended materials, such as blocks, art supplies, and sensory materials. These materials encourage exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
2. Facilitate Hands-On Experiences: We design activities that allow children to actively engage with the materials and their surroundings. We encourage children to manipulate objects, experiment, and make discoveries through their own actions.
3. Incorporate Play into Lessons: We seamlessly integrate play into structured lessons. For example, We may use games, role-playing, or dramatic play to teach math concepts, language skills, or scientific principles.
4. Follow Children's Interests: We observe child's play and identify their interests. We then use those interests as a basis for planning activities and introducing new concepts. This approach helps keep your child motivated and engaged in their learning.
5. Encourage Collaboration: We create opportunities for your child to collaborate and work together. Through cooperative play, children learn communication, problem-solving, negotiation, and teamwork skills.
6. Foster Reflection and Discussion: We engage children in conversations about their play experiences. We encourage children to reflect on what they've learned, ask questions, and share their ideas and discoveries with others.
Our Philosophy in Action
Language Development
We promote language skills by engaging in conversations, reading books, and singing songs with your children. We encourage them to mimic sounds and words, and provide a language-rich environment to support their language acquisition.
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This is important because it lays the foundation for communication and literacy development. This helps them expand their vocabulary, develop listening skills, and learn how to express themselves effectively. Reading books and singing songs not only exposes your children to new words and concepts but also fosters a love for reading and storytelling.
By nurturing their language development, we're setting them up for success in school and in life.
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For more information on this concept, please read our blog post here
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Sensory Exploration
We provide opportunities for your infants and toddlers to engage their senses through activities like finger painting, sensory bins, and textured toys. This helps them develop their sensory perception and cognitive skills.
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This is important because it helps stimulate their senses and supports their overall development. When young children explore different textures, colors, and materials, It allows them to make connections, learn about cause and effect, and develop their fine motor skills.
Sensory play also encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. By providing these opportunities, we're helping your child build a strong foundation for their future learning and development.
Social and Emotional Development
We encourage social interaction and emotional development by providing opportunities for your child to engage with their peers and caregivers by offering activities like group play, sharing toys, and expressing emotions through play.
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This is important because it helps your child build essential social and emotional skills. These interactions also help them develop empathy and emotional intelligence as they learn to recognize and express their own emotions and understand the emotions of others.
Creating a supportive and nurturing environment for social interaction and emotional development lays the foundation for healthy relationships and overall well-being as they grow.
Fine Motor Skills
We offer activities that promote the development of fine motor skills, such as stacking blocks, playing with puzzles, and using crayons or finger paints. These activities help your child refine their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
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These skills are crucial for everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and writing. Fine motor skills also play a significant role in cognitive development, as they support the ability to manipulate objects and explore the world around them.
By providing opportunities for your child to practice these skills, we're helping them develop the necessary foundation for future learning and independence.
Gross Motor Skills
We create opportunities for infants and toddlers to practice their gross motor skills through activities like crawling, climbing, and playing with balls. This helps them develop strength, balance, and coordination.
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Engaging infants and toddlers in activities that promote gross motor skills, such as crawling, climbing, and playing with balls, is important because it helps them develop strength, balance, and coordination. These skills are essential for their overall physical development and future physical activities. By encouraging them to crawl, they build core strength and improve their coordination. Climbing helps them develop their upper body strength and balance. Playing with balls enhances their hand-eye coordination and helps them refine their throwing and catching skills. By providing opportunities for infants and toddlers to practice their gross motor skills, you're supporting their physical development and setting the stage for a healthy and active lifestyle.