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Infant Schedules
Children are spontaneous but, like most of us, they need to have a general
idea of what to expect from moment to moment. They like to know they
can depend on certain daily routines. A daily schedule helps children
feel secure in their environment. When you say things like, “After
nap, we will go outside” children learn what to expect and come
to know that they can count on you.
A daily schedule helps you organize your day. It allows you to plan
a variety of developmental activities and experiences for children. A
good daily schedule for children offers a balance of activities.
A Good Schedule:
1. Provides a balance between these kinds of activities.
- indoor and outdoor play
- quiet and active times
- time to play alone and time to play with
others
- time for free play and time to join an activity you have planned
2. Pays particular attention to transition times during the day
-
greeting children when they arrive and are separating from their
parents
- cleaning up after meals and snacks
- getting ready to go outside
- cleaning up one activity so that another
can be started
- getting ready for nap
- arrival and departure of school-age children
or part-time children
- preparing to go home
3. Reflects your unique situation.
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when your child care children arrive and depart
- when babies need
to eat and nap
- when children need to have meals and snacks
- the ages and stages
of the children in your care
Yet, within the schedule, the flexible provider gives the children unspoken
permission to learn in their own way and encourages exploration and discovery.
A variety of open-ended materials—or materials that can be used
in many different ways— are made available to children. Children
are able to select the materials they wish to use, and are encouraged
to use their imaginations with the materials. The flexible provider extends
the children’s play by adding new props or materials, rotating
toys from week to week, and suggesting new ways to use materials.
- Greeting
- Exploration
- Cuddle Time
- Observation
- Responsiveness
- Feeding
- Diapering
- Napping
- Outdoor Time
- Departure
Daily Schedule (Sample)
Welcome to our family child care home! Listed below
is what you child will experience during a typical day.
My philosophy is to provide a structured setting for
children, so they know what to expect and feel secure. Within this structure,
I allow for flexibility so that I can better meet the needs and interests
of all the children.
MORNING ACTIVITIES |
| 7:15 – 8:00 |
As children arrive, a variety of activities
are available for them to do, such as table toys, blocks,
books and story tapes. I rotate the
toys every week for interest. |
| 8:00 – 8:30 |
Clean up, prepare and eat breakfast, and clean up again!
Each child has an opportunity to help with meal chores
such as setting the table or mixing the juice. |
| 8:30 – 9:45 |
Children have a choice of selecting an activity of their
choice or joining in a group activity such as painting,
water play, or cooking. |
| 9:45 – 10:00 |
Get ready to go outside: bathroom time, changing diapers,
wash hands, etc. |
| 10:00 – 11:00 |
Outdoor play that is a combination of free play on the
swing set or sand box, and group activities such as walks
in the neighborhood, a science project such as gardening,
or an outdoor art project. |
| 11:00 – 11:30 |
Individual choice – dramatic play, blocks, board
games. |
LUNCH AND REST |
| 11:30 – 11:40 |
Clean up for lunch. Wash hands. |
| 11:40 – 12:30 |
Family style lunch and conversation. Again, each child
has an opportunity to help with chores. After lunch, everyone
brushes teeth, uses the bathroom or
diaper change, washes hands. |
| 12:30 – 12:45 |
Story time. This is a time to slow down before rest time and enjoy a good book. |
| 12:45 – 2:45 |
Every one has a rest time. Preschool children who can’t
sleep rest quietly on their cots, looking at books for
30-40 minutes before they are allowed to get up and start
a quiet activity. |
| 2:45 – 3:00 |
Children wake up, put away cots, use the bathroom and
wash hands. |
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES |
| 3:00 – 3:20 |
Snack time. |
| 3:20 – 4:30 |
Active outdoor play. |
| 4:30 – 5:30 |
Departure time. Children choose activities such as coloring,
reading, table toys, etc., until their parents arrive.
Events of the day and plans for the next day are discussed
with children and parents as they leave |
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Links
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Sample
Infant/Toddler Schedules
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Sample Infant/Toddler Schedules
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