Average Infant Daily Schedule

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Arrival & Welcome

• Greet families and children warmly.

• Provide a quiet, calming environment with soft music, books, and natural light.

• Encourage free exploration of sensory and loose parts materials (wooden blocks, fabrics, natural objects).

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Exploration & Play (Provocations) & Open Snack

• Set up invitations to explore (sensory trays, mirrors, textured materials).

• Allow infants to freely interact with the environment, fostering curiosity and sensory development.

• Open Snack: A nutritious snack is available for children during this time.

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Outdoor Exploration

• Take infants outside for sensory exploration (weather permitting).

• Provide age-appropriate experiences: crawling on grass, exploring textures, and observing nature.

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Large Motor (Rumpus Room) & Individual Care

• Engage infants in large motor activities in the rumpus room.

• Allow time for individual care, including diaper changes, feeding, and cuddles.

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch

• Provide a quiet, nurturing atmosphere during lunch.

• Encourage self-help skills by allowing infants to explore feeding themselves.

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Rest Time

• Create a calm, peaceful environment for naps with dim lighting and soft music.

• Offer individualized comfort (rocking, gentle back rubs) as needed.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Exploration & Creative Play & Open Snack

• Provide provocations such as water play, painting, or clay exploration.

• Allow infants to explore freely, with teachers offering gentle guidance.

• Open Snack: A light snack is available for children during this time.

3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Closing Circle

• Gather infants for a short session of goodbye songs and gentle movement activities.

• Reflect on the day’s experiences with the infants (using simple language).

3:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Pick-Up & Quiet Activities

• Offer quiet, calming activities (soft blocks, books, or sensory toys).

• Provide a peaceful environment for children waiting for pick-up.

Average Preschool Daily Schedule

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM | Arrival & Welcome

• Warm welcome for children and families.

• Open play with loose parts, natural materials, and sensory bins.

• Encourage older children to help younger ones with routines, fostering a sense of community.

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM | Exploration & Provocations & Open Snack

• Set up various learning provocations around the room (e.g., an art table with natural materials, a block-building area with mirrors and lights, and a sensory exploration station).

• Teachers observe, document, and support children's play without directing it.

• Open Snack: A nutritious snack is available for children during this time.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Outdoor Exploration & Play

• Spend time outside exploring natural elements (gardening, collecting leaves, building with loose parts).

• Provide both structured and free-play opportunities, such as obstacle courses or nature hunts.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Morning Meeting & Bathroom Break

• Gather for a group meeting where children and staff plan the day’s activities together.

• Encourage children to share their ideas, questions, or thoughts about ongoing projects.

• Use this time to facilitate a bathroom break for children.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Project Work & Creative Play

• Continue or begin long-term projects (e.g., building models, creating artwork, or documenting a nature study).

• Offer open-ended art materials, sensory play, and building opportunities.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch

• Family-style lunch where children help set the table, serve food, and clean up afterward.

• Foster independence and a sense of responsibility.

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Rest Time / Quiet Activities

• Provide a calm space for children to rest.

• Offer quiet activities (books, puzzles, or drawing) for those who do not nap.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Project Work & Creative Play & Open Snack

• Continue or begin long-term projects (e.g., building models, creating artwork, or documenting a nature study).

• Older children can mentor younger ones during shared activities.

• Open Snack: A light snack is available for children during this time.

4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Group Time & Reflection

• Gather as a group for closing songs, movement, and reflection on the day.

• Encourage children to express what they enjoyed or learned.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Pick-Up & Quiet Activities

• Quiet, self-directed activities such as drawing, puzzles, or reading.

• Maintain a calm and welcoming environment as children are picked up.

Key Elements

• Family Grouping: Mixed-age groups foster empathy and leadership as older children mentor younger ones.

• Environment as the Third Teacher: Thoughtfully designed spaces incorporate natural materials, cozy areas, and open-ended resources to inspire exploration and creativity.

• Emergent Curriculum: Activities are planned based on children’s interests, with projects and learning experiences evolving organically.

• Documentation: Teachers actively document learning experiences through photos, children’s work, and learning stories, sharing progress with families.

• Community & Relationships: Collaboration is emphasized between children, families, and educators to nurture strong, meaningful connections.

• Flexible Routines: Schedules are adaptable to meet the individual needs and interests of children, fostering a responsive learning environment.

• Natural and Engaging Environments: Classrooms are enriched with natural light, varied textures, and carefully curated materials to promote engagement.

  • Focus on Relationships: Building strong, positive bonds between children, educators, and families is a core priority.