Since
we are caring for children with ages ranging from newborn though school age, flexibility
for the program is important as the needs of the infants and children are constantly
changing and developing. Generally, daily activities are arranged around naptimes,
meals and snacks. An individualized daily program for each child recognizes their
different needs and allows the youngest children to nap when they are tired, eat
as they become hungry and play with the toys that interest them. As weather permits,
outside activities, which take advantage of our large play yard and patio, where
tricycles and bike riding, climbing, sliding, water play, swinging, running and
other large muscle activities are encouraged. Painting, clay, art materials and
crayons are made available to the children. Puzzles and books encourage cognitive
development, Legos, blocks and other toys invite manipulation and construction.
Musical instruments, a piano, tapes, CD's, and musical toys encourage singing,
dance and other rhythmic activities. A variety of dolls, soft stuffed animals,
housekeeping furniture and cooking utensils lead to imaginative play while a variety
of hats, dress-up clothes, costumes and puppets lead to dramatic play.
Young
children, toddlers and babies enjoy a structured schedule that allows for flexibility.
A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly, allow the children to anticipate
the coming events, and aids in achieving a variety of goals. We will adhere to
our written schedule to the best of our ability, keeping in mind that anything
can happen when children are involved. There will be times when we have to make
adjustments to the schedule.
Generally,
we open at 7:30 for inside play in our cozy play and nap room. There, children
are allowed access to a large variety of toys, books, puzzles, blocks, etc. The
majority of children arrive by 9:00, when a nutritious breakfast is served. Then
its time for clean up and diapering.
Between
10:00 and 11:00 is usually our art and educational component of the day. We might
begin the session with parachute games, which evolves into circle time, where
songs are sung and stories are read. Then its time to work on our numbers, letters,
shapes and color recognition with a variety of work sheets, artwork and special
projects. Our daily and weekly themes usually revolve around a yearly schedule
of holidays, special days and seasons.
Then
its time for active play in our huge play yard with swings and slides, sand box
and balls, climbing gym, a variety of bikes, trikes, cars, scooters and the like.
From time to time we will expose the children to activities such as gardening,
water play, bubbles, hula hoops, bowling, ring toss, as well as more "organized"
sports such as basketball, soccer and baseball.
Around
12:00, its time for toileting and washing hands, in preparation for a delicious
lunch. Generally, the noon meal consists of a healthy, home cooked lunch, with
items such as roast chicken, spaghetti, pot roast, with plenty of fresh fruits
and vegetables, and a grain such as rice, pasta or a roll, always accompanies
by a cup of milk.
Children
are allowed to feed themselves as much as possible, with fingers and a fork or
spoon, to foster independence and self-sufficiency.
After
lunch, its time for clean up and toileting in preparation for naptime. Children
who need transitional items or "snugglies" are allowed to have them
at this time, and children who need to rest, but do not nap, are allowed to watch
thirty minutes of television while resting on their mats link photo of nap time.
When
the children wake from their naps, around 3:00, its time for a snack, which may
be pineapple juice and crackers, or a peanut butter sandwich and apple juice,
or a home made muffin and milk.
Then
the children are allowed to play outside in our large play yard, or if the weather
is not so nice, choose from our many toys, blocks or books in our cozy playroom.
Then
its time to clean up to go home, and the parents will be arriving to pick up their
children by 6:00 p.m.
Of
course, infants are fed on demand, sleep when they need to, diapered regularly
and held and play whenever they like.
