Our schedule is not "set in stone", it varies from day to day and changes depending on the ages and developmental needs of the children enrolled at the time. I do keep a rough guideline which looks something like this:
|
TIME |
Infant/Preschool
|
School-Age |
|
AM 6:30 to 8:30
|
Arrival and Free Play in playroom. Individual activities at the Toddler Tables. |
Arrival and Free Play in playroom, sunroom, or computer area. |
|
8:30
|
Morning Snack |
|
|
9:00 to 11:30 |
Music and Movement, Outdoor Time, Calendar, Circle & Story time, Craft, and Free Play
|
In School |
|
11:30
|
Clean-up, potty/bathroom break |
|
|
Noon To 1:00
|
Lunch |
|
|
1:00 to 3:00
|
Nap/Quiet Time** |
In School |
|
3:00
|
Potty/bathroom break |
|
|
3:45
|
Afternoon Snack |
|
|
4:15 to 5:30 PM
|
Outdoor Time, Free Play in playroom, puzzles, games and art activities in sunroom. School-age children may use computers or small toys in living room. |
|
*If Kindergarten children are in care then the preschool schedule will be modified to allow drop off and pick up Kindergarten children. These trips will usually replace the morning outdoor play.
On school holidays the school-age children will follow the preschool schedule.
**Crafts, board games, puzzles and other quiet activities may be provided in the sunroom for the older preschool children who do not need to nap as long as the younger ones. Occasionally a “G” rated DVD may be played. All children are encouraged to be quiet and show respect for others napping on the main floor. At 3:00 I will begin waking those children who are still sleeping.
A Note about Free Play:
During free play time the children are encouraged to make their own decisions about what they want to do and who they want to play with. I am available to guide the children's behaviour, offer suggestions to those who need assistance in making choices, and to re-direct those who choose activities that are not developmentally appropriate. Children are expected to put away all toys and supplies from one activity before moving to another activity. This means there is never a need to clean up "everything" at once and there is less chaos.
When all goes well I do not interfere with the children's play but just observe the activity. When disputes arise I encourage the children to work it out themselves and offer assistance only when necessary. I will not force a child to "share" a toy they are using. I do not feel it is fair to make a child give up something they are not yet finished playing with. I do not allow children to hoard toys just so others cannot use them.
We plan to go for a walk or play in the back yard every day weather permitting. Walks can be around the block, around the neighbourhood, to a nearby park. Sometimes our dog Mindy accompanies us on our walks.
I like to schedule field trips and outings as often as possible depending on the age groups and interests of the children in care. I provide transportation for field trips in my 11 passenger Ford van equipped with properly installed child restraints. In the past we have gone to the Assinaboine Park and Zoo, Kildonan Park, the Forks, the Public Library, Fort Whyte Centre, Oak Hammock Marsh and more.
Walks are usually spontaneous. I will notify parents at least one day before any field trips requiring transportation. (Separate permission form required) If we are ever going somewhere that you would like to see too, I can always use an extra pair of hands.
Children should be dressed for indoor AND outdoor play as we plan to be outside everyday.
I keep a scrapbook with a page (or more) for each child in attendance. During circle times the children have the opportunity to tell us stories about the items on their page and learn more about their friends. I ask that parents provide pictures or small items that can be added to their child’s page. Items could include photos of their house, room, favorite toys, relatives, pets, fun times. We’d love to have items that reflect your families cultural heritage too!