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Policy

The daily schedule will provide consistency in a balanced program of child initiated and adult-directed activities, including individual and small group activities, routines, and transitions.

Procedure

  1. Staff will create a consistent and predictable daily schedule at the beginning of each program year in consultation with their regional manager and ECEC.
    1. Schedule will include mealtimes, outside time, large group times, free play/choice time, and rest time (if appropriate) and will provide for alternating periods of quiet and active play. (see Setting up the Physical Environment policy) Small group time may be a separate time in the day or may be included as part of choice time.
    2. Any permanent changes to the schedule should be in consultation with the regional manager.
    3. Emergent and temporary changes to the schedule (e.g. a special visitor, unable to go outside) will be communicated and taught to children ahead of time.
  2. Schedule outdoor play daily, weather permitting. (see Playground Safety policy)
    1. At a minimum outdoor play will be available for 30 consecutive minutes daily
    2. Children will go outside daily unless weather conditions are unsafe (e.g. temperature, air quality, lightning). Staff will refer to current DELC guidance and/or guidance from Health & Safety Consultant or Operations Director to determine limits on outside play time.
      1. Large motor play will be provided in the classroom or alternate space if outdoor play is unavailable.
    3. Classrooms that operate more than 6 hours a day must provide a total of 90 minutes of active play for children preschool age and older or 60 minutes of active play for infants and toddlers (30 minutes of which may be moderate to vigorous indoor activities).
  3. Provide a balance of large muscle and small muscle activity.
  4. Make available more than one option for group activity (individual, small/large group).
  5. 60 consecutive minutes each day will be scheduled for child initiated activities (e.g., choice time, discovery time) (see Developmentally Appropriate Materials, Equipment, Activities policy). Children in Extended day or Full day models should be offered an additional choice time of at least 30 min in the afternoon.
  6. Planned or routine activities may be changed according to the needs or interests of children, and/or to cope with changes in weather or other emergent situations that affect routines. Change in routine will be discussed with children to minimize anxiety.
  7. Set aside 20-30 minutes each day for each meal. (see Mealtimes policy) with at least 2.5 hours between the start time of each meal.
    1. Scheduled mealtimes cannot be changed without prior approval from the Nutrition Consultant to ensure compliance with CACFP requirements.
  8. Transitions will be planned to ensure adequate supervision and child engagement. Be sure to allow adequate time for smooth transitions between activities. Children should not always be required to move from one activity to another as a group. Use transitions as a vehicle for learning.
    1. Staff will strive to minimize the number of transitions.
    2. The steps and expectations of transitions will be actively taught to children.
  9. Classroom routines will be consistent and taught to children. Incorporate routine tasks into the program as a means of furthering children’s learning, self-help, and social skills. Routines such as toileting, eating, dressing, hand washing,tooth brushing should be relaxed, reassuring, and individualized based on developmental needs. (see Diapering, Hand washing , Toileting policy)
    1. Brushing teeth will be on the daily schedule.
    2. Washing hands will be on the child picture schedule at least one time. The visual may be combined with the mealtime and/or toileting visual
  10. Post daily schedule in the classroom that is visible to adults and near the entrance to the classroom.
  11. A picture schedule for children’s use will be posted in the classroom at child’s eye level.

This policy complies with Head Start Performance Standard 45 CFR Section 1302.31 .

It was approved by Policy Council on April 8, 1997.

Updated July 6, 1999. November 14,2000, August 20, 2003. June 2008. June 2009. August 2011. July 2013. August 2017. September 2026

© 1995-2017. Head Start of Lane County. All rights reserved.

REVIEWED: May 2021, September 2026