A day here
Predictable enough to feel safe. Loose enough to play.
Our programme is play-based and child-led, but the shape of the day stays the same. Children settle faster when they know what comes next, and so do their parents.
Chosen by rotating through the enrolment list, so every child gets a turn. They ring the bell that calls everyone in from outside, and hand out the soap at washing-up time.
- 7:30 – 9:00 am
Arrival, and the day opens up
Children and their families are greeted at the door. Coats into cubbies, shoes changed, hands washed. Free play is child-led, and there is always a science or art activity already set out by a teacher for whoever wants it.
- 9:00 am
The inclusive programme begins
Everyone needs to be here by 9:30 at the latest, so the morning isn’t interrupted by late arrivals.
- 9:50 – 10:15 am
Open snack
Hands washed, snack on the table. Children choose whether to come and eat or carry on playing.
- 10:15 am
Circle time, then two smaller circles
Everyone gathers, then splits, one circle for the children heading to Kindergarten, one for everybody else. Music and movement, songs, games, and stories from books, the feltboard, or told out loud.
- 10:50 am – 12:00 pm
Outside, rain or shine
Over an hour outdoors, every single day. A bike lane, a climber, the playhouse, a sandbox, a dirt pit, gardens, trees and grass. Now and then we use the park next door as well.
- 12:20 pm
Hot lunch, cooked here
The Helping Hand rings the bell, everyone comes in for lunch circle, and at 12:20 we eat a hot vegetarian lunch made in our own kitchen by our cook. It is included in your monthly fee, not billed on top.
- 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Rest
Children rest quietly on mats in the two circle rooms.
- 3:30 – 3:50 pm
Afternoon snack
Second snack of the day. The inclusive programme finishes at 4:00.
- 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Free play until pick-up
Inside or outside, depending on the weather. The daycare closes at 5:30. Everybody needs to be out of the building by then.
Come and see it happen.
We have places open at the moment. Send us your details and we will call you back, or ring 604 325 3817 and ask for the Supervisor.