Toddler and Preschool Routine (Over 2s)
Our preschool routine is designed to be flexible yet predictable, offering children a sense of security while fostering a love for learning. It strikes a harmonious balance between our structured 360 curriculum, spontaneous exploration, and tailored teaching that honors each child's unique interests and developmental needs. As children grow and develop, they become more active participants in the daily routine, taking on roles as helpers during transitions, mealtimes, clean-up, and learning activities. This involvement not only empowers them but also builds a strong sense of responsibility and community within the classroom.
Morning Routine
7:30 am - Welcome!
Our doors open and we welcome families and children to the service. Educators are on hand to greet the families and settle the children seamlessly.
During the early morning, we have a fluid curriculum involving indoor and outdoor play. Children engage in planned and spontaneous play experiences whilst building healthy attachments with their educators.
Toilet-training and nappy change schedules will begin. Nappies are changed at 4 set periods throughout the day, and ad hoc as required. For children that are embarking on their toilet-training journey, they will be regularly encouraged to take bathroom breaks and practice self-help skills.
8:30 to 10am - Progressive Morning Tea
Children are assisted and encouraged to wash their hands at a sink using soap and water. They choose when they would like to join mealtime as a social and relaxed experience. Mealtime is often held in our outdoor areas in the fresh air under the shade sails, when the weather permits. Morning Tea incorporates a mix of fresh fruit, vegetables and healthy finger foods. Water and milk is also provided.
10am to 11.30am - 360 Programs with Individual and Group Experiences
Children will engage in our 360 Programs and Curriculum. Spontaneous and planned learning is facilitated by an educator, and children are encouraged to divide into smaller groups. For larger group experiences, children will gather for a literacy and yarning time where they will have an opportunity to tell or listen to stories.
Educators are observing the children, and flexible with their teaching methods, allowing children to learn according to their unique interests and developmental needs. All children learn at their own pace; they may sometimes play independently and explore the resources or join smaller group sessions.
Lunch Routine
11:30 am to 12:30pm - Progressive Lunch Time
Children's hands are washed and they are encouraged to join mealtime as a social and relaxed experience. Older children are encouraged to self-serve and reflect on healthy eating habits. This gives children an opportunity to refine their fine-motor skills and engage in positive social interactions.
12pm to 2pm - Rest and Relaxation
This time is for rest, relaxation and meditation. Children sleep on small stretcher beds. Gentle music is played to soothe children and educators assist children in settling. Safe sleeping practices are implemented, with regular sleep checks and monitoring.
For older children that are not sleeping during this time, they will continue engaging in the curriculum with a focus on quiet activities. Our preschoolers will engage in their School Readiness Program. Educators may utilise other play spaces within the service to allow for more focused learning.
In this period of time where most children are resting, bathrooms and environments are checked and cleaned. Educators will use this time to take their breaks and complete their teaching documentation i.e. daily observations, daily posts and curriculum planning.
Afternoon Routine
2pm to 3pm - Progressive Afternoon Tea Time
As children begin to wake up, they will be offered afternoon tea. Afternoon tea incorporates a mix of fresh fruit, vegetables and healthy finger foods. Water and milk is also provided.
3.30pm to 5.00pm - 360 Programs with Individual and Group Experiences
As with the morning program, children will engage in experiences in the indoor and outdoor program. Our educators focus on helping children grow in a variety of developmental areas:
- Physical: fundamental movement skills, gross, fine & sensory motor skills, hygiene practices, ownership of routines, self-help skills
- Social-emotional: sense of wellbeing, emotional regulation, empathy and respect, appreciation of diversity, collaborative play and fairness
- Language: verbal and non-verbal expressions, identity formation, questioning and inquiring, dramatic play, use of pronouns and sentence formation
- Cognitive: exploration, experimentation, problem-solving, sensory play, gain meaning from texts, number and letter identification, follow directions
5.00pm to 6.00pm - Late Snack & Goodbyes
This period of time is our wind-down routine. A late snack is offered at 5pm. All children are collected by their family at 5:45pm. Educators will share information about children with families during brief pick-up conversations. It is a time to delight in our children's learning journey. For longer discussions, we welcome families to book in for a parent-teacher meeting.
Before close, educators will clean and reset all learning environments. Older children will be involved in taking responsibility and caring for their environment. Learning resources are sanitised and hygiene practices are followed. Families can look forward to daily posts in their parent app that provide a snapshot of learning.