Daily Schedules

Daily Schedules

Research shows that children find security in a predictable series of events. Structure helps children to    develop emotionally and intellectually, as well as to gain a sense of self-control and mastery of events and the environment. Within this structure at the BECC, children have freedom of individual choice of activities.  However, slight changes may be made to the schedules throughout the year in response to the weather, the changing needs of the group, and other circumstances.  Parents will be notified of significant changes.  As required by Vermont State regulations a schedule is posted in each classroom as well as a sample presented here. 

Ones/Twos Class

 8:30-9:30 Floor play

 9:30-10:00 Diaper changes and Snack 

10:00-10:30          Activity time (art/music)

10:30-11:30           Outside play

11:30-11:45           Wash hands & Diaper Changes

11:45-12:15            Lunch

12:30                 Dismissal/or transition to afternoon

Twos

8:30-9:15 Activity time

9:15-9:30 Story

9:30-10:15 Toileting and Snack

10:15-11:00 Outside play

11:00-11:30 Activity time

11:30-11:45 Clean-up

11:45-12:00 Circle

12:00-12:30 Lunch

12:30 Dismissal or Transition to afternoon

Threes/Fours, and Fours/Fives Classes

8:30 - 9:30     Activity time/Snack

10:00-10:30     Meeting time & bathroom break

10:30 -11:00     Small Group activities

11:00 -12:00     Outside play

12:00 -12:30     Lunch

12:30       Dismissal/or transition to afternoon

Afternoon

12:30-12:45 Bathroom

12:45-1:30 Rest/Stories

1:30-3:00 Quiet Activities

2:30 Early PM dismissal

3:00-3:30 Snack

3:30-4:30 Outside/Dismissal


Activity/Play Time: All the projects and schedules are designed to help the children in their development. An essential part of the children's experience at the Bennington Early Childhood Center is having time and opportunity to learn in his/her own way. The predominant way in which a child learns about his/her own world is through play. 

Meeting/Circle: Children are encouraged to attend “circle” or “meeting” time. This is a time for songs, games, sharing information and experiences, and making plans for the day. In several groups, meeting time is conducted early in the daily schedule. Punctuality is encouraged so all children may participate. 

Clean-Up: Clean-up is a part of the everyday routine. Children can learn many social and cognitive skills from participating in cleaning their environment. For example, calculating the number of blocks each child must pick up is a good math exercise. Sharing responsibility also helps the children work together on developing a sense of order and sequence. Through this process, children learn to be socially responsible members of the classroom community.