Greeting Time

The morning separation time is different for each family, as they have developed their own ways for saying goodbye. During the arrival time the teachers greet the children and their families and discuss any important messages. Arrivals take place between 6:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m.

Early Morning

As children arrive, they can make activity choices in the classroom. They are encouraged to explore and collaborate with one another and their teachers. Center explorations take place early morning before the children go to school between 6:35 a.m. and 7:45 a.m., depending on when their bus is ready to leave for school. When the children do not attend school, center exploration time extends until circle time at 9:00 a.m.

Snack Time

Snacks are served in the classroom and children are invited to take turns to visit the snack tables. Teachers remind children to wash their hands and supervise them to make sure it is done correctly. Early morning snack is served between 7:10-7:30 a.m. and afternoon snack is served between 2:35 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. A late snack is also offered between 4:40 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Circle Time

During the summer months or on days when the children have non-attendance days at school, the children gather together for circle time. The entire class meets together during Circle Time as a transition from the early morning center explorations to small group work time. The children and the teachers sing songs together, share important classroom news and happenings, and discuss any projects and themes. They also pick classroom helpers for the day. Circle time occurs between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. during those days when the children are present in the Center for a full day.

Small Group Work/Center Exploration

Children work in small groups in the classroom. A small group works with a teacher typically on a hands-on activity in literacy, math, art, etc. The rest of the children select an area of the classroom to work in, often with a creative presentation set up by the teachers to help enhance their time in that area. While one works with the small groups, another teacher in the room circulates throughout the room and helps support and extend the children's learning experience by offering suggestions, helping them resolve issues, and make notes of any important observations regarding the children's development. Children are also encouraged to visit the breakfast table at this time in between their small group work and center exploration. Small group time and Center Exploration time takes place between 10:35 a.m. and 11:25 a.m. Breakfast is offered from 9:25 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Afternoon Center explorations and small group work time occurs between 3:00 p.m. and 3:20 p.m. Children who stay later are given more center exploration time between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.