Whispering Willow Daycare and Farm School

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This routine provides a general framework, and specific activities may vary based on age groups, weather conditions, and children's interests.

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Early Bird Arrivals & Gentle Start

• 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Doors open for early arrivals. Children are greeted warmly. Quiet free play, puzzles, books, drawing, and soft music. This is a calm transition period for children waking up or arriving early.
• 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Continued quiet play. Staff engage children in one-on-one interactions or small group activities. Opportunity for early morning snack for those who need it.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM: Breakfast & Morning Greetings

• 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Group breakfast served. Children are encouraged to practice self-help skills (e.g., pouring milk, clearing plates).
• 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Bathroom breaks and handwashing. Transition to circle time area.

8:45 AM - 10:00 AM: Morning Circle & Learning Adventures

• 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM: Morning Circle Time: Greetings, calendar, weather, songs, fingerplays, and introduction of the day's themes. Discussion about our farm friends or a new plant.
• 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM: Structured Learning Centers: Rotations through various learning stations focusing on literacy, numeracy, sensory play, and practical life skills. Activities might include farm-themed puzzles, animal sound matching, or planting seeds.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Outdoor Exploration & Farm School Time

• 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Prepare for outdoor time: sunscreen, hats, jackets as needed.
• 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM: Outdoor Play & Farm Animal Interaction: Children engage in free play on the playground, explore nature elements, or participate in supervised interactions with our friendly farm animals (e.g., observing chickens, gentle petting of sheep/goats, learning about their care). This is a core "Farm School" experience.
• 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM: Transition back indoors, removing outdoor gear.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Wash Up & Story Time

• 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM: Thorough handwashing for lunch.
• 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Quiet story time or calm group activity to prepare for lunch.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch & Post-Lunch Play

• 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Group lunch served. Emphasis on healthy eating habits and table manners.
• 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM: Clean up, bathroom breaks, and preparation for nap/rest time.

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Quiet Time & Naps

• 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Children settle down for naps or quiet rest time. Soft music or calming stories are provided for those who don't sleep.
• 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Supervised nap/rest period. Non-nappers engage in quiet activities like reading, puzzles, or individual sensory play.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Afternoon Snack

• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Children wake up, use the restroom, and enjoy a nutritious afternoon snack.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Afternoon Activities & Creative Expression

• 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM: Creative Arts & Sensory Play: Activities such as painting, drawing, playdough, building blocks, or water/sand play.
• 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Indoor/Outdoor Free Play (Weather Permitting): Children choose their preferred activities, which might include revisiting outdoor areas, dramatic play, or construction toys. Staff facilitate cooperative play.

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wind-Down & Departures

• 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Quiet activities as children begin to depart. Books, puzzles, small group games, or listening to calming music. Children gather their belongings.
• 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Final goodbyes as children are picked up. Staff engage with parents, sharing highlights of the day. All children must be picked up by 6:00 PM.