daycare schedule and ideas

[Linda/NE]

I started at the daycare today. I found out that mostly I will be working by myself and I know once school starts I will want to add more activities and some additional structure to the day.

I was curious what general schedule other daycares have. Do you have a 'circle' time where everyone comes together? Do you have special themes like Teddy Bear day/week or anything?

Any tips/suggestions for nap time would be greatly appreciated too. I know I will have at least 1 kindergartener and a couple preschoolers who won't take naps. How do you handle this and what activities do yo have them do?

Thanks!!

[JAK]

I personally don't do the circle time thing because of my dck's ages. I have infants-school age children so I have a HUGE age gap. During the school year I have only infants/toddlers and 1 preschooler who actually goes to preschool. I don't do themes either, but know several providers do, just depending on the age group.

We do a lot of our major (messy and non infant/toddler friendly) arts and crafts projects while the little ones are napping. That way I don't have to worry about them getting into things. I do also do art projects with my little ones, just they are more geared toward their age.

Good Luck! I'm sure Diane will have a lot of great suggestions (she's good at that! :) )

[vea29]

Gograts!! I think your going to love it. I love the preschoolers. I usually start my day with free play because the kids usually come in all different times.
Usually arond 10 I do some sort of Art activity ( ususally only a few kids at a time) the rest are doing some kind of choice activity like small manipulatives. The Art is usually related to a Theme of the week.
After We usually do outside play until lunch (then Nap or quiet time where they lie down and may be read books). As far as kids who won't nap... I ususally encourage them to rest for a little then they can get up and color an do quiet activities.
In the after noon I usually do circle time. Singing Large movement games like simon says.( often related to the Theme).
The rest of the day I usually play by ear. Some times We do writing activities. If we've been stuck inside alot we will spend more time outside that day.

Good luck!