Daily Routine

Our daily routine varies with the number and age(s) of the child(ren) in my care at any time.

However, it is very important that the children know what is coming up. It is not fair on them to not being told what is going on. This causes a great deal of insecurity.

Therefore, we have the daily routine up on the wall and the children can look at it and see what's coming up next. Also it facilitates the development of their planning and time keeping abilities.

Ten minutes before the end of an activity the children are warned that it will end in ten minutes. They quickly learn what this means and are then not distraught when having to quit a fun play.

Special occasions like outings are announced in advance so the children can prepare for them.

This is an example of a daily schedule:
(times can deviate by about 15 minutes depending on the activity)

7.00 to 7.30 Arrival Time, i.e. welcome and settling in (you don't have to come this early)
8.00 Breakfast
8.30 Music and Movement Time
9.00 Tidy Up Time
9.15 Small Group Time - usually Art or Malleable
10.00 Morning Snack
10.15 Plan-Do-Review
11.15 Outside Time
12.30 Lunch Time
13.00 Quiet Time
14.00 Small Group Time - Key Developmental Indicators
14.45 Afternoon Snack Time
15.00 Plan-Do-Review
16.00 Small or Large Group Time  - Music and Movement or outside, depending on weather
16.30 Dinner Time
17.30 Small Group Time - Winding down - books or board games
18.00 to 18.30 Going Home Time (you can go home earlier, of course)