Home Daycare
DISCOVERY PRESCHOOLERS
Ages 18 months to 3 years old.
Everything in my discovery program is designed for tiny explorers. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day, which is why I provide a variety of books and toys, ensuring their artwork is displayed at their eye level. In our discovery preschool, children start grasping the fundamental elements of how we collaborate in a classroom setting. It's all about nurturing their curiosity and making learning an exciting adventure through play!
Kids eye level
There’s something special about the discovery preschool program: Everything is kid-size! I put books and toys within easy reach of little hands. Instead of waiting for an adult to bring a book over, kids can kick off story time all on their own.
Daily classroom schedule
Kids this age thrive on routine. I use a schedule with simple pictures to show them what’s coming up next! This keeps them feeling confident about what to expect for the day and be part of the plan. I’ll talk about our day in morning circle and have lots of visual reminders everywhere.
Doing things independently
Discovery preschool is also where your child becomes more independent with things like hand-washing and potty-training. That’s why sinks, toilets, and furniture in our classrooms are all kid-size—so they can build confidence knowing they can do it all by themselves.
Making art, stacking blocks, reading books—no matter what your toddler loves to do or where they are developmentally, I'll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.
Building brain power and strong bodies
Activities like sorting, counting, and measuring things help budding brains grasp science and math concepts. I build their focus and memory with simple daily routines. I also support physical skills like learning to walk or roll a ball.
Learning about feelings and how we express them
At this age, relationships begin to form. I use social and emotional skill-building tools like feelings magnets and dramatized books to help them learn about their own feelings, and notice the feelings of others.
Talking more and more
Toddlers build their vocabulary one or two words at a time by pointing to things and expressing needs. They also engage in prewriting and prereading by scribbling on paper and turning pages in books.
Expressing themselves
Creatively, toddlers express themselves with mediums like clay, and movement and dance to simple children’s songs.
SAMPLE DAILY RHYTHM
Arrival and breakfast
OPEN – 9:00 A.M.
Children play quietly and eat breakfast. As they finish their meal, they can play however they choose at our playroom until most children have arrived and are finished eating.
Group time
9:00 A.M. – 9:25 A.M.
The real start to our day begins when we come together to welcome each other and talk briefly about the day's planned events. We will also do things like read a book out loud or sing a song!
Activity centers
9:25 A.M. – 10:45 A.M.
Activity centers are an important part of our playroom, and usually involve small-group activities. Your child will do things like play with blocks, experiment with creative arts, engage in dramatic play, read, do age-appropriate math or science activities, or write.
Morning snack
10:45 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
They’ll have a healthy snack like carrots and hummus or fruits and crackers.
Outdoor play
11:00 A.M. – 11:50 A.M.
It’s time to go outside! Outdoor time can also be part of our daily themed activity. Weather permitting
Lunch
11:50 A.M. – 12:30 A.M.
Time to wash our hands, help set tables, and get ready to eat lunch!
Afternoon Transition
12:30 P.M. – 12:45 P.M.
We all help clean up from lunch and get ready to rest.
Rest time
12:45 P.M. – 2:15 P.M.
Ssshh … it’s quiet time. Our children will nap, but as they wake up (or if they never quite get to sleep), they can select different quiet activities, such as looking at books or drawing.
Activity centers
2:15 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Kids come back to activity centers to play and explore on their own, and also do a theme-related activity led by Samantha.
Group time
3:00 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
Every afternoon, we gather as a group to talk about the day's events as well as any special events planned for the following day. Other activities could include a read-aloud, a song or dance.
Afternoon snack
3:15 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
They’ll have a nutritious snack.
Free play
3:30 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.
Children have the freedom to choose activities and play. During free play, children can explore different toys, engage in imaginative activities, interact with their peers, and express themselves creatively.
Activity centers and pick-up
4:15 P.M. – CLOSE
It’s time for pick-up! After a busy day together, children are given the space and time to explore and play in the centers on their own.