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Daily Routine for 3 to 5—year olds

Times are approximate to best meet the needs of the children.

  • 7:45–9 a.m. Play
  • 9–9:15 a.m. Group time: a whole-group experience which may involve conversation, stories, creative movement, music, and concept development.
  • 9:15–9:30 a.m. Wash hands. Snack.
  • 9:30–11:30 a.m. Indoor and outdoor activities including free-choice time, where children may select individual or small-group interaction in a variety of centers, including planned or free art activities and outdoor play.
  • 11:30–noon Group time and preparation for lunch: a short whole-group experience to relax the children and prepare them for lunch. noon Lunch time.
  • Finish lunch–12:45 p.m. Quiet activities
  • 12:45–1 p.m. Get ready for naptime. Stories.
  • 1–1:30 p.m. Nap/rest time
  • 1:30–2:30 p.m. Quiet activities
  • 2:30–3 p.m. Wash hands. Snack
  • 2:45–4 p.m. Indoor or outdoor play and activities.
  • 4–4:15 p.m. Group time
  • 4:15–5 p.m. Indoor activities
  • 5–5:15 p.m. Group stories. Get ready for dinner.
  • 5:15–6 p.m. Dinner time.
  • 6–7:30 p.m. Choice or combination of outdoor and indoor play. Depending on the weather, evening play may include a longer outdoor time, particularly those children who have been in school all day. Art activities will be offered again.
  • 7:40 p.m. Snack
  • 8 p.m.–Close Art, games, quiet play.

Snacks

We serve three light snacks each day: morning, afternoon, and evening. At the IPFW Child Care Center, we care about all aspects of your child’s growth and development. We feel that an important part of the childhood experience is learning about food and the importance it plays in our well-being; consequently, we serve snacks that are free of preservatives and additives, and we include fresh fruit and vegetables. The snack fee paid at registration covers the cost of snacks for your child(ren).

Outdoor Play

Fresh air and large-muscle activities are important for development of young children. The amount of time spent outdoors depends on the weather and number of classes needing to use the playground. Group activities, playground equipment, and a large sandbox are among the attractions offered on the Child Care Center playground. Small saucer sleds are available for our hill in snowy weather. All children should plan to go outside every day, and should wear and/or bring clothing appropriate for the weather. Please note: Our playground tends to be windy. A jacket may be needed here even when not needed at home. Children should wear tie shoes or secure sandals to avoid running accidents.

Outdoor play in winter

The following guidelines will help you know when to plan on winter outdoor play:

  • The temperature must be at least 25 degrees including wind-chill.
  • 2-year-olds will not go out after 5 p.m. during winter months.
  • Daily outdoor play in snowy winter weather will take place at
    approximately 10:15 a.m.; 4 p.m.; and 6:15 p.m. If your child is in
    attendance at those times, please make sure they have the proper warm clothing.

Lunch/Dinner

  • The Child Care Center does not supply meals.
  • Each child should bring his or her own meal if attending during mealtime.
  • Refrigeration and microwaves are available.
  • Those without a meal will be offered a snack and drink.
  • All children and caregivers sit together to create a relaxed mealtime.
  • All lunch bags or boxes must be marked with the child’s name on the outside.

Policies

  • Children are encouraged to eat and to try new foods, but are not forced to “clean their plates.”
  • Children may eat their food items in any order.
  • Please see the director or assistant director for further explanations.

Naptime

During this half-hour time period (one hour for 2-year-old children), children kindergarten age and younger are required to rest. Those who fall asleep will be allowed to sleep as long as needed. Those who do not fall asleep will be able to get up after the set time and play quietly. School-age children in attendance at that time will be divided in a separate room, if possible, or allowed to sit and read quietly.

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Parent Handbook