How is the day structured for each age group?

• Infants: Our infants follow their own individualized schedules for eating, sleeping, and playing. We don’t expect babies to adhere to a strict group timetable. Instead, we work with each infant’s natural routine (as communicated by you and observed by us). For example, one baby might nap at 9am and another at 10:30am, and that’s perfectly fine. Infant teachers keep track of each child’s rhythms – feeding them on demand (bottles or baby foods as provided), putting them down for naps when they show signs of tiredness, and engaging them in one-on-one play or tummy time when they’re alert. The environment is calm and responsive. So, an infant’s “schedule” is unique to them, and our job is to meet each baby’s needs in a timely, loving manner.
  
  
• Toddlers (approximately 1-2 years old): Toddlers start to have a more consistent group schedule while still allowing some flexibility. A typical toddler day has a predictable flow. In the morning, after drop-off, they have breakfast together. Then comes circle time, which might include a good morning song, a story, and a chance for each child to practice language (like saying their friends’ names or identifying weather/calendar). Next, they usually have some outdoor play or gross-motor activity – toddlers love to move, so this could be playground time or an indoor movement game if weather is bad. After that, there’s a guided activity based on the lesson plan (for example, a simple art project, a sensory activity like water play, or music time with instruments). Late morning might involve free play/learning centers where toddlers choose toys or activities while teachers facilitate learning moments. Then comes lunch time, which is a social and nutritional break. After lunch, all toddlers have a nap/rest period (usually around 1-2 hours). In the afternoon after nap, there’s a snack and then more playtime. We often do another round of gross motor play in the afternoon – either outside again or in our indoor play area – because toddlers have lots of energy to burn! Finally, there might be small group activities or circle time (like a short story or singing goodbye songs) as we wind down toward pick-up time. The key components for toddlers every day are: meals, active play, quiet rest, and plenty of exploration time. They thrive on routine, so we keep the order of events consistent day-to-day, even as the specific activities change.
  
  
• Preschoolers (approximately 3-5 years old): Preschoolers at Playto follow a schedule similar to toddlers but with a bit more structure and complexity in activities. Mornings for preschoolers typically start with a cheerful welcome/free play as they arrive, followed by breakfast. Then they gather for a longer morning circle time, which may include calendar and weather discussions, sharing time, introducing the theme of the day, and interactive songs or questions to get their brains thinking. After circle, they’ll often break into learning centers or project time – this is when children engage in various hands-on activities around the room (e.g., a small group doing an art project with the teacher, another group building with blocks, another exploring a science activity or pretend play area). The curriculum is rich, so mornings might also include early literacy and math games woven into fun activities. Later in the morning, preschoolers go outside for outdoor play (they might have a longer recess than toddlers, playing organized games or just running and climbing). Then it’s lunchtime, usually eaten in the classroom or a little cafeteria area, family-style with teachers fostering social skills. After lunch, preschoolers have a quiet rest/nap time as well – many 3- and 4-year-olds will still nap or at least rest for about an hour. Those who are older or don’t sleep will quietly look at books or do a quiet activity on their cot. In the afternoon, once everyone is up, there’s a snack and then more active play. We like to include an afternoon gross motor session (could be a movement song, dance party, or outdoor play again). Finally, late afternoons might feature small group work or circle time to recap the day’s learnings, perhaps a story reflection or show-and-tell, until parents arrive for pick-up. The preschool schedule balances academic readiness skills with lots of play and social time. Every day is structured in a way that preschoolers know what to expect next, which helps them feel secure and well-prepared for the transition to a kindergarten schedule later on.
  
  

Across all age groups, we maintain a consistent routine because children flourish with predictable patterns. However, we also stay flexible within that routine to accommodate the needs of the children each day. If the class is really enjoying an art activity, we might extend it a bit; if the weather is beautiful, maybe we have extra outdoor time; if the kids seem restless, an impromptu dance party might get thrown in! The goal is a balanced day that includes learning, play, rest, and nutrition, tailored appropriately for each age and developmental stage.