EARLY LEARNER DAILY SCHEDULE: THE FLOW OF THE DAY
7:30-9:00 a.m. Early Care/Greetings and Free Exploration
Before school care is provided starting at 7:30 a.m. and preschool children can arrive anytime during this beginning part of the day (there's no fee for early care). Upon arrival, children and families can start their day with connection, free play, a snack, or a story to prepare for gathering at morning meeting.
9:00-9:15 Morning Meeting
Our morning meeting is a time for community building, connection, and hearing information to make a plan for the day. This time may include the following: singing songs, PreK students sharing out, teachers introducing materials, discussing classroom events, or developing projects as a community of learners.
9:15-10:45 Project Time
This time is for uninterrupted project work and free play for Early Learners. The children choose for themselves from a variety of materials and spaces where they can investigate and work on ongoing projects. On Wednesdays, we also gather with the K-9 students for an all-school Community Meeting. It is also when we connect with older students for regular Buddy Activities.
10:45-11:00 Small Group Work
As with some Transitional Kindergarten or Junior Kindergarten programs, during our PreK small group time, teachers facilitate learning experiences with games, read-aloud stories, open-ended materials, deeper project content, or space to practice specific skills. This year, small groups will be an opportunity for a more focused work time to explore French, Spanish, Math, and Literacy. We know that Early Learners construct knowledge and demonstrate their ideas in different ways. Small groups are a collaborative experience for them to build confidence in their skills and interests while engaging in work together.
11:00-12:00 Outdoor Project Time
This is a dedicated time outside where children can engage in free play activities like ongoing project work, running, climbing, exploring nature, playing with sand and water materials, or participating in group games. We value the outdoor space as an extension of the classroom and also go outside during all types of weather with support for appropriate gear.
12:00-12:30 Mindfulness and Lunch
At the beginning of lunch, we prepare ourselves for healthy food with a mindfulness routine of deep breathing. Teachers and preschool children sit together, practice manners, and share in conversations. The children bring their lunches from home.
12:30-1:30 Rest & ReaD-ALOUD
We begin rest with a quiet group read-aloud, where teachers read stories or engage in storytelling. During rest, we support children by giving them time to slow down and pause during their day. Teachers play soothing music while children rest on their mats, typically with a special soft toy or blanket from home. Children have the opportunity to nap during this time.
1:30-2:45 Project Time
After rest, we have a second project time in the classroom or our outdoor side space. This is an intentional time for PreK children to extend project work from the morning or engage in free play around the classroom. Some children who fall asleep during rest time may have the opportunity to nap. On Fridays, the Early Learners play in the outdoor side space with the kindergarten class.
2:45-3:00 Closing Meeting
Closing meeting is a time to reflect on our day together and provide an opportunity for community building at the end of the day. This might be listening to a story, singing a song, or participating in a share bag.
3:00-5:45 After Care Program
The after care program is a time for Early Learners to join with the K-6 students to end their day and prepare for reconnecting with their families. Students can have a snack, play outside, and enjoy additional project time with materials and activities curated by the after care teachers.