Why Schedules Are Important

• Children learn the routine of the day
• Helps children feel secure because they know what is going to happen
• Organizes the day
• Provides a good balance of activities

What Makes a Good Schedule?

A good schedule for young children:

• Offers a balance between the following :
• indoor/outdoor time
• quiet/active time
• alone/group time
free/planned play
• Pays special attention to transition times (ex. Cleaning up after activities, getting ready for nap time, preparing to leave)
• Reflects your individual situation

What Should A Schedule Include?

• Arriving/Leaving
• Meals/Snacks
• Nap time
• Clean up
• Bathroom time (toileting, diapering, handwashing)
• Play time (indoor and outdoor)
• Transitions from one activity to another

Tips for Making A Schedule:

• Provide a variety of play activities
• Allow time for talking with children between activities
• Have a least 2 special activities per day (music, art, story time)
• Have a balance of inside and outside play
• Have a balance of quiet and active play
• The key to a good schedule is to be consistent, but be willing to be flexible.

6:30- 8:00	Arrival/Free Play
7:45- 8:00	Clean Up/Bathroom Time
8:00- 8:30	Breakfast/Clean Up
8:40-10:30	Activities (music, art, learning activities, story)
10:30-10:50	Snack/Clean Up/Bathroom Time
10:50-11:50	Outside Play
11:50-12:00	Clean Up/Bathroom Time
12:00-12:45	Lunch
12:45-2:45	Nap/Rest Time
2:45-3:00	Bathroom Time/Clean Up
3:00-3:30	Snack
3:30-5:00	Activities (Inside or Outside)
5:00-5:30	Leave/Free Play