ESCC Parent's Handbook -- Section V

DAILY SCHEDULE

Young children need and enjoy a daily routine that also allows for flexibility. A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly and securely for children, which allows them to anticipate what’s coming next. We follow a daily routine, keeping in mind that with young children things do not always go the way we plan. There will be times when we will have to make adjustments to the schedule to allow for special event such as field trips, birthday parties, and/or special visitors.

This is an example of what your child’s day may be like:

7:00 – 8:30 Drop off time – Welcome and quiet play (children may bring in a breakfast to eat when they arrive)
8:30 – 9:15 Children divided into assigned classrooms with primary teacher for academic portion of daily schedule, supervised free play within the classroom centers and daily routine tasks.
9:15 – 9:45 Group Circle Time (discuss weather, calendar, events of the day, songs, fingerplays and/or circle games)
9:45 – 10:05 First Activity Time (children participate in activities in math, reading readiness, science, and art during the four activity times)
10:05 – 10:20 Snack Time
10:20 – 10:40 Second Activity Time
10:40 – 11:10 Recess
11:10 – 11:30 Show and Tell, Library, or Story Time
11:30 – 11:45 Clean up and bathroom
11:45 – 12:15 Lunch
12:15 – 12:30 Prepare for rest time
12:30 – 2:30 Nap time
2:30 – 3:00 Afternoon snack
3:00 – 6:00 Afternoon activity time (arts and crafts, music and movement, or organized games) and supervised interactive free play (inside or out depending on weather)

ACTIVITIES/CURRICULUM

Children will participate in daily nursery, preschool, or kindergarten curriculum from September to June. This will include a variety of activities ranging from art and craft projects to games, songs, finger plays, storytelling, creative dramatics, exercises, science and much more. Some of the projects will be taken home to share with the family and others will be displayed in the center for all to see. In July and August will focus on our “summer camp” curriculum. We will have weekly, theme-based activities to give everyone a break from our school year routine.

LUNCH AND SNACKS

Children will be provided with a morning and afternoon snack (usually milk or juice with crackers, cookies, or fruit). Each child should bring a lunch from home; please include an ice pack as necessary. Lunches can be heated in the microwave if needed. Children will always be encouraged to eat their lunch food before any additional snack food.

NAPS/QUIET TIME

There will be a nap/quiet time each day. All children must nap, rest or look at books quietly during this period as mandated by the N. H. licensing agency. A rest mat with sheet will be provided for each child. You should send in a crib sheet, small blanket and small pillow. You will be responsible for laundering these on the weekend and returning them for use on Mondays. Rest time gives everyone a much-needed break during the day. Without rest time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon, short-tempered with others, and not real happy when they go home in the evening.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

It is our policy to allow children to bring toys from home with certain restrictions.

No toy that has a weapon quality is allowed.
All toys (ex. Super heroes) need to follow the same classroom rules as the children. If the super heroes are fighting or hitting their friends they will have to be put away.
Children are encouraged to share their toys with others, just as ESCC shares their toys with the children.
An integral part of our curriculum is the fostering of social skills (manners, friendships, sharing etc.). While some toys from home are appropriate for practicing these skills – electronic hand held games (i.e. Game Boys) are not.
The number of toys needs to be limited and be able to fit in the child’s school bag, unless special arrangements have been made with the teacher.
Toys brought to school for show and tell are to be used as part of the curriculum and follow the teacher’s classroom policy.
Toys are the responsibility of the child, according to their ability.
The monetary value of the toy brought to school should be carefully monitored by the parent, and is the parent’s responsibility.

We recognize that a parent may not want a particular toy to come to school, but doesn’t feel that a battle at the beginning of the day is worth the energy or effort. On that day make sure your child knows your wishes and that you are going to share that information with the teacher. Please tell your wishes to the staff when you arrive at the center. Your child will not be able to play with the toy that day.

ESCC is not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items. All personal items should be clearly marked with the child's name.

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