A Typical Day

The daily schedule and routines form the basic structure for each day. The schedule offers a balance between active and quiet times as well as large and small group activities. There is time to play alone and time to play with others, indoor time and outdoor time, and time for each child to select their own activities. Routine is an important characteristic of the daily schedule. Children feel more secure knowing what is going to happen and when it will happen. This consistency does not preclude flexibility and spontaneity.

Sample Two and Three-year-old Daily Schedule

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Arrival: greetings and room exploration.

9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Morning Meeting (Circle Time)

9:45 - 10:00 a.m. Snack

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Indoor Activities: explore the learning centers in the classroom and project-related activities and materials. Explore Rainbow Room, Art Studio, Tinkering Room and Community Room.

10:30 – 11:20 a.m. Outdoor Time: equipment and activities designed to promote free physical expression, gross-motor activity, and sensory play.

11:20– 11:45 p.m. Lunch

11:45 – 12:15 p.m. Indoor Activities: explore the learning centers in the classroom and project work.

12:15 – 12:30 p.m. Closing Circle: stories and singing.

12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Nap and Quiet Time: children who do not nap will have a short rest time followed by free play.

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. Snack

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Indoor/Outdoor Activities: explore the learning centers and project-related activities and materials. Explore Rainbow Room, Art Studio, Tinkering Room, Community Room and/or the Play Yard. 

Sample Pre-K Daily Schedule

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Arrival

9:30– 10:00 a.m. Morning Meeting (Circle Time)

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Snack

10:15 – 10:50 a.m. Indoor Activities: explore the learning centers in the classroom and project-related activities and materials. A small group of children will participate in a separate activity with one of the teachers.

10:50 – 11:00 a.m. Clean Up

11:00 – 11:50 p.m. Outdoor Time: equipment and activities designed to promote free physical expression, gross-motor activity, and sensory play.

11:50 – 12:15 p.m. Lunch

12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Indoor Activities: explore the learning centers in the classroom and project work. During this time, a small group of children may participate in a separate activity with one of the teachers.   Explore Rainbow Room, Art Studio, Tinkering Room and Community Room.

1:15 – 1:30 p.m. Closing Circle: stories, discussion and singing.

1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Quiet Time: pause and reflect with a short quiet time in the classroom.

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Indoor/Outdoor Activities: explore the learning centers and project-related activities and materials. Explore Rainbow Room, Art Studio, Tinkering Room, Community Room and/or the Play Yard.

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Snack

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Closing Circle: stories, discussion and singing.