Although our daily schedule is flexible, the same events occur in the same order every day, which helps the children feel secure. The vast majority of our day is spent in child-led, teacher-supported free play.
Program Opens promptly at 7:00 AM. Please don't bring your child for care before then without making prior arrangements.
Arrival can be hard for children. Saying good-bye to people we love isn't easy; even adults sometimes struggle with this. Because learning to be comfortable with separation is part of becoming independent, I will help ease the transition from home to playschool.
Free Play engages children's imagination and encourages exploration and learning. Children need plenty of free, unstructured play time to develop socially, emotionally and cognitively.
Breakfast is a natural learning opportunity! Children learn about nutrition, practice language, social skills, and table manners, develop positive attitudes towards food, strengthen their self-esteem, and develop independence.
Clean Up is encouraged as soon as children are able to put a toy in a basket. Cleaning up enables children to take pride in a job well done, reinforces pre-math sorting skills, promotes both large and small motor skills, and improves both self-esteem and independence.
Play Invitations enrich the children's daily learning. They are based on the children’s interests, a skill they are working on, or a theme we're exploring. Children can choose whether to participate or not; their choice is respected and supported.
Active / Outdoor Time helps develop a lifelong habit of physical activity, contributes to children's growth and development, and lays a solid foundation for future learning. Children who regularly enjoy fresh air, sunshine, and exercise sleep better.
Free Play is vital for children's learning because it forms the foundation of intellectual, social, physical and emotional skills necessary for success in school and in life. It also allows children to use their creativity, acquire and practice social skills, and solve problems.
Lunch is provides time to slow down and enjoy each other's company. The children help set the table and clear their own places. They serve themselves “family style,” which promotes self-help, motor, and decision-making skills. Good table manners are promoted, and children decide when their tummies are full.
Story Time is a daily occurance. Reading to children promotes imagination and pre-reading skills, and helps develop a love of reading. Studies show a strong correlation between children who love to read and academic success.
Naps / Rest Time is important for all children. Their growing bodies need time to rest while their busy minds need time to catch up with all the information they absorb. According to a 2013 study, naps enhance memory and support learning in children of all ages.
Snack consists of two food groups with water to drink. Water makes up more than half of a child's weight so a steady supply is necessary to keep children's bodies working properly. General recommendations are 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day; more in warm weather.
Departure can be as difficult as arrival. Please take a minute to let your child reconnect with you before leaving. I realize this can be hard at the end of the day, but it makes the transition easier for your child.
Program Closes at 5:00 PM; please be sure to pick up your child by then. As much as we love our jobs, we're all tired and ready to unwind after a long day of work, and my family time is as precious to me as I'm sure your family time is precious to you.
