5.2.5
Daily Schedules
Teaching staff are responsible for developing and implementing the daily schedule. Daily schedules are essential to providing routines and structure for children. Daily schedules must be posted in the classroom and should be used by teaching staff to support and guide the events of each day.
Refer to these resources for information on preparing the daily schedule:
- Creative Curriculum references:
- Infant/Toddler- Volume 1, page 61 – Creating a Structure for each Day
- Preschool – Volume 1, page 81 – The Daily Schedule
- Much of the Day (ITERS-R)
- Building the Foundation Checklist
When planning your daily schedule, remember these considerations:
- Opening/closing time
- Meal time specifically noted
- Meals must be appropriately spaced apart according to the Meal Time Policy
- Free Choice Time – schedule as appropriate for Much of the Day/Substantial Portion of the Day
- Outdoor Time
- Minimal transition
- HS Only:
- Schedule Second Step (social/emotional program)
- Schedule “read alouds”
- Refer to SOP 3.20 Facilitating Lessons
Routines
A well balanced daily schedule and consistent routines enable children to know what to expect and support their increasing independence. Children do not always naturally know what is expected during each daily routine. The daily schedule may need to be broken down into small routines and intentionally taught to children.
For training on how to teach routines within routines watch the Routines training video.
Framing Your Day
The Framing Your Day worksheets are used by Teaching Staff to establish effective staffing patterns, supervision and zoning patterns, daily schedule and roles and routines for classroom staff.
These worksheets are used at the beginning of the year to establish a daily routine and zoning practices for classroom staff. They may also be used when staff roles and routines are unclear, or when the daily schedule is not flowing well.
To complete the worksheet, each staff member writes a timeline of the tasks they complete throughout the day, keeping in mind what activities children are participating in, and where the activities occur. Timelines can be reviewed and updated to determine ways to make the schedule and transitions more effective.
Each staff member should retain a copy of the completed form.
Versions of the worksheet by program type:
- Early Head Start
- Head Start
- Head Start (State)
- Head Start (AM) – partial day, morning Head Start classes
- Sample of a Head Start (AM)
Tools for Supervisors and Teachers: Schedules and Routines
These checklists can be used by Supervisors and Teachers to guide their classroom observations. These tools can also support supervisors in providing teachers with feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
References
- Framing Your Day Worksheet – EHS | HS | HS (AM) | HS (State) | Sample
- Tips for Teachers: Schedules and Routines
- Tools for Supervisors: Schedules and Routines