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If you have questions or comments, you can communicate with your instructor by email at professionaldevelopment@clarendonees.org.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Completeall lessons and activities.
- Share your thoughts on the Course Discussion Boardwhen required in the lessons by responding to the instructor’s questions. Feel free to offer positive comments to other participants! You must engage with the Discussion Board to pass the course.
- Complete the Knowledge Check.
- Complete the Course Evaluation.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PARTICIPANTS WILL:
- Consider the need for carefully planned schedules and routines in Family Child Care.
- Explore the qualities of effective schedules and routines.
- Reflect on ways to teach children program schedules and routines.
- Learn ways to share strategies for teaching schedules and routines with families.
- Complete the Knowledge Check and Course Evaluation.
REFLECTION
Activity: Please respond to Question 1 on the course message board: What times in your daily schedule are most successful? What parts of the daily schedule are challenging for you?
Course Content
INTRODUCTION
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MA DEPARTMENT OF EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE REGULATIONS
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CREATING A FAMILY CHILD CARE SCHEDULE THAT WORKS
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PARTS OF THE DAILY SCHEDULE
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ROUTINES AS LEARNING EXPERIENCES
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STRATEGIES FOR HELPING CHILDREN LEARN SCHEDULES AND ROUTINES
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DAILY SCHEDULES FOR FAMILIES
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FINAL REFLECTION
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Evaluation
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Education Assistance
jbianchi@clarendonees.org
Joanna Doyle
Executive Director of Education & Training
(800)875-1234 Ext. 206
Rosemary Hernandez
Co Executive Director of Education & Training
(800)875-1234 Ext. 510
Question 1: What times in your daily schedule are most successful? What parts of the daily schedule are challenging for you?
Morning arrival and greeting time is one of the most successful parts of my daily schedule. I enjoy welcoming each child as they arrive and helping them transition smoothly from home to the childcare environment. This time allows me to build positive relationships with the children and families. End-of-day pickup can be one of the more challenging parts of the daily schedule. By the end of the day, children may be tired, overstimulated, or excited to see their families, which can lead to increased emotions and changes in behavior
La parte más fácil son las que implican el aprendizaje y juego al aire libre, la parte algo complicada es transicionar entre los juegos y la hora del refrigerio
The most successful parts of my daily schedule are circle time and small-group activities because the children are engaged and follow routines well. The more challenging parts are transitions and free play because some children need extra reminders and support to manage their behavior.
My daily schedule is most successful in the morning when all the children are there and start together. It is challenging for me when we have many late drop offs and the schedule gets interrupted and the children get distracted.
Drop off to breakfast is more complicated because everyone drops off at a different time the schedule after circle time is easy
Question 2: How do you think consistent, predictable schedules help children learn?
Consistent and predictable schedules play an important role in children’s learning and development. When children know what to expect throughout the day, they feel safe, confident and secure in their environment.
En mi experiencia los horarios consistentes ayudan a los más pequeños a sentirse cómodos y tranquilos porque ya conocen cuál es el paso a seguir y se evita el miedo y la frustración a algo desconocido, además cuando los niños se sienten seguros, su concentración aumenta y pueden desarrollar habilidades de manera más fácil.
Consistent and predictable schedules help children feel safe and know what to expect throughout the day. This stability supports their learning by allowing them to focus better, follow routines more easily, and develop independence.
Consistent, predictable schedules help children learn better. It promotes positive behaviors and prevents children anxiety.
Consistent, predictable schedules help children feel safe because they know what to expect throughout the day. When routines stay the same, children are better able to follow directions, manage transitions and build independence. Predictable schedules also support learning by allowing children to focus more on activities instead of worrying about what will happen next.
Con horarios y rutinas los niños se sienten más seguros , sienten más confianza con su educador y eso favorece al aprendizaje y desarrollo .
Children need structure
Question 3: In your daily schedule, when and how do you provide, “opportunities for children to have a free choice among a variety of activities or to play alone or with one or several chosen peers, if desired, for at least half the program day;”?
En mi programa los niños tienen varias oportunidades durante el día para que elijan las actividades que más les interesan como armar legos, roles, actividades al aire libre, etc, ya sea solos o con los compañeros para que puedab tener mejores habilidades sociales e independencia a través de la exploración con los juegos
I provide children with free-choice opportunities during center time, free play, and outdoor play throughout the day. Children can choose from a variety of activities, such as blocks, art. They can play independently or with friends .
During my daily schedule, I provide free choice time during center play, outdoor play, and sometimes during small portions of the morning and afternoon. During these times, children can choose activities they are interested in, play independently, or interact with peers in different learning areas.
In my daily schedule I set up the room for children to make choices of what they want to do during free play. The materials are accessible to them. They can play alone or with one of several chosen peers. They also have the opportunities to make requests for other activities of their choice.
Usualmente la mayoría de veces pero mas cuando estamos en el área dramatica.
I provide free choice opportunities mostly during center time, afternoon time and outdoor play each day.
Luego del desayuno , seguido de lavado de manos , pregunto a los niños eñ que rincón de juego desea comenzar , asi se dividen y controlado con reloj hacemos un cambio . Lo mismo hago luego de la siesta
In the morning before breakfast and afternoon after nap before pick up. Fridays also before lunch
Free play and timed centers
Question 4: How do you respond to children’s individual needs in your daily schedule? Please consider the needs of children who learn differently and need more support, including children of different ages (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school age children), children with disabilities, children who have experienced trauma and dual language learners.
Me aseguro de que cada niño reciba apoyo teneiendo en cuenta cada una de las necesidades y ajustandolas a su edad y desarrollo, me ayudo de diferentes imagénes, videos, palabras o señas para que los niños bilingües y ayudo de manera más individual a orientar a los que necesitan un apoyo adicional, creo un ambiente seguro para que cada uno de ellos se sientan cómodos, respetados, escuchados y atendidos.
I respond to each child’s individual needs by providing a flexible schedule and adapting activities based on their age, abilities, interests, and learning style. I create a safe, supportive environment with consistent routines and provide extra support when needed. My goal is for every child to feel included, supported, and able to participate in daily activities.
I respond to children’s individual needs by observing each child and adjusting my teaching and support based on their age, development, and abilities. I provide extra guidance, visual cues, and one-on-one support for children who need more help, including dual language learners, children with disabilities, and those who have experienced trauma, while also making sure infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children all have activities that fit their developmental stage.
As I plan my curriculum based on my observation of the children. I have the needs of each child in mind. I have to take into consideration their ages, disabilities, the multilingual learners as well as those who experienced trauma.
Adaptando un curriculum basado en las necesidades y edad de los niños.
I respond to children’s individual needs by adapting routines, expectations and support based on their age, development and background. I
For children who learn differently or need extra support, I use visual schedules, simplified instructions, extra time for transitions and one-on-one assistance when needed.
Trato de que los niños pequeños jueguen en su espacio eñ grupo para poder trabajar con los más grandes . Luego hago lo mismo con los pequeños . Si un niño necesita trabajo mad infivifiao , busco el momento en que todos se sientan cómodos y entretenidos .
Doing one on ones while other children do centers or ask children to assist me with helping that individual child depending on the struggle we all support the child together
Question 5: Share one or two ways you include learning experiences in routine times of day.
Mientras hacemos las diferentes rutinas como el lavado de manos o la hora de ir a tomar la siesta, le inculco a los niños el seguir una secuencia de pasos para que todos comprendan lo que están haciendo, esto incluye hablar sobre la importancia de las rutinas que estamos realizando y decir en voz alta los pasos, las acciones o los objetos que vamos a utilizar.
I include learning experiences during diapering and handwashing by talking with children, naming objects and actions, and encouraging language development.
I include learning experiences in routine times by talking with children and asking questions during everyday activities like handwashing, meals, and cleanup. I also use songs, counting, and simple instructions to support language, math, and social skills during transitions and daily routines.
One learning experience in routine times of day I want to share is hand washing. It can be a quick one on one time for each child and so much can be learned during that time. It is also a different time of the day with different topics for infants and toddlers.
A la hora de leer,hacemos preguntas expresan sus necesidades durante las lectura es una buena oportunidad para que los niños practiquen sus habilidades lingüísticas en cada ilustración del libro utilizando así su imaginación.
I include learning experiences in routine times by using conversation and vocabulary building during meals, diapering, and handwashing. I also support learning during transitions by using songs, counting and following directions activities, which help children practice language, social skills and early academic concepts in everyday routines.
Cuando nos cepillamos los dientes hablamos de la importancia de no olvidar hacerlo , tambien con las manos , que debemos lavarnos varias veces al dia y la forma de hacerlo . Eñ horario de la comida hablamos sobre los alimentos y la importancia de comer todo psra estar fuertes y aprender
Talking about germs and cleaning hands before eating
Question 6: Consider the challenging part of your schedule you shared at the start of this training. What strategy might you try to make this a better time of day?
Para mejorar la parte de entrar del juego al aire libre para tomar el refrigerio, es más fácil si avisos con más tiempo de anticipación e ir diciendo los minutos que faltan para cambiar de actividad para que los niños puedan ayudarse mentalmente para el cambio más tranquilamente y de forma organizada.
To improve end-of-day pickup time, I would focus on creating a more structured and calming routine for children while they wait for their families. One strategy I could try is setting up consistent quiet activities, such as books, puzzles, or drawing, so children stay engaged and settled
One strategy I might try is giving more warnings and using visual or verbal cues before transitions so children know what is coming next. I would also try using songs, timers, or consistent routines to help make transitions smoother and reduce challenging behavior during those times.
Now I can make the new arrival time part of what is going on. Make it exciting to include the child who just arrived.
To make a challenging part of my schedule (such as transitions or getting up from naptime) smoother, I would use consistent routines, give children warnings and use calming strategies like soft music or a quiet wake-up period. I would also provide extra time and individual support for children who need help adjusting.
Los momentos se ponen difíciles si los niños quedan sin actividades y los dejamos con juego libre . Yo trato de que tengan una actividad atras de otra . Se entretienen , aprenden y no tienen mucho tiempo para el descontrol . Para los momentos difícil siempre busco el baile en ronda q les encanta, canciones e instrumentos (pequeña clase de musica)
keep conversations at a minumal.
Cut down the drop off time
Tengo mas exito en mi rutina diaria ala hora de come y la mas dificil ala hora de dormir
Probably reflects how it has been going through the months and see what I can do better
During lunch let them choose how can food they can have. Or ask them what time is it
Usually I bring more attention and time for those who need extra help
cuando estamos en El patio le encantan jugar al aire libre
We have a free play where they can choose what they want to play with and to whom they choose to play with
They enforce some behavior or routine which hopefully encourages a lifelong learning process
The most successful time in a daily schedule is in the early morning hours. The most stressful are in the midafternoon when they loose some interest.
Exito en la manana despues que VA subiendo El dia la rutina como SE cansan y hay veces que cambio la rutina por Algo que nos gusta.
After breakfast is the children’s best time for my program they are willing to do paperwork , sit for story time or do an art project
I can use a timer consistently during these times and the children will get accustomed to the sound and realize we are moving to the next activities.
During mealtimes, I encourage children to develop language, math, and social skills by talking about colors, shapes, textures, and quantities of food. We practice counting items, making choices, and engaging in conversations with peers.
For infants and toddlers, I follow individualized schedules for feeding, sleeping, diapering, and play, while providing responsive care and opportunities for exploration. For preschoolers, I offer hands-on, play-based learning experiences that can be adjusted to different skill levels and interests. For school-age children, I provide opportunities for independence, choice, homework support, and age-appropriate activities.
Free-choice play occurs during both indoor and outdoor play periods, allowing children to explore materials, engage in imaginative play, build social relationships, and develop problem-solving skills. Teachers observe, support, and extend learning through conversations and open-ended questions while allowing children to direct their own play experiences. This approach promotes independence, creativity, and social-emotional development while honoring each child’s individual interests and preferences.
Help children feel safe and secure by knowing what to expect.
Morning free play and arrival time are often the most successful because children are excited to engage, explore materials, and transition into the day at their own pace. The period before lunch or nap can be difficult because children may be tired, hungry, or overstimulated.
One of the most challenging parts of my daily schedule is waking children up and getting them set up after naptime. Some children are slow to wake up or feel upset during the transition, which can make this time difficult and require extra patience and support.
Las rutinas si ayudan nuestros niños , es fundamental tener una rutina porque así se le hace más fácil a nuestros niños adaptarse y aprender
UNA ALARMNA O AVISO PARA EL CAMBIO DE ACTIIVIDADES
LOS NINOS EN EL MOMENTO DE ASEO SE LAVAN SUS MANOS Y CANATAN UNA CAM=NCION . SE LA SECAN VOTAN EL PAPEL .TAMBIEN AL TERMINAR DE COMERR RECOGEN SUS PLATOS Y LOS LLEVAN A L FREGADERO. APRENDEN ORDEN Y AYUDAN
PORQUE MI HORARIO CUANTA CON ACTIVIDADES VARIADAS, TRANQUILAS Y MOVIDAS. ALGUNAS DIRIGIDAS POR LOS NINOS OTRA POR LOS ADULTOS. DENTRO Y FUERA DEL PROGRAMA
LA MAYOR PARTE DE LA RUTINA ESTA DISENADA PARA QUE LOS NINOS PUEDAN SENTIRSE LIBRES DE ESCOGER CON QUE JUGAR COMO JUGAR Y CON QUIEN JUGAR
SI AYUDAN PUES LOS NINOS SE MANTIENEN OCUPADOS Y A LA ESPECTATIVA DE QUE VIENE ALGO MAS , LES AYUDA A ORGANIZARSE
EI MOMENTO QUE ME RESULTA MAS EFECTIVO ES EL MOMENTO DE CIRCULO .
EI QUE ME RESULTA MAS DIFICIL ES LOS TRABAJOS EN L A MESA CON EL GRUPO
Ya los niños saben su rutina pero me gustaría relajarnos más. Y la rutina visual es buena idea
Hablamos de los colores Mientras comemos, contamos mientras jugamos
Cuando hacemos circle time, cuando jugamos adentro y afuera de las facilidades. Tienen juguetes a su estatus donde Ellos escogen o wire withered en el momento
Structure in a child schedule is beneficial for the child because they know what to expect brings security and less behavior hiccups
To make it a better time of day I will alert the kids that lunch is coming up and to clean up 10 minutes before eating and wash their hands
Learning experiences through routine is when we doing an activity with cutting and gluing I make them share with each other the materials we are using
I have a 2 year old child where she doesn’t speak yet and she gets frustrated and cries and so I’ve recently printed out picture of stuff that make her comfortable like her pacifier her chewy and her sippy cup so when she feels frustrated and cries I show her what she wants and she points at it to let me know what she wants
3 I provide opportunities for free choice when I put coloring activities on the table or blocks on the floor and they all choose coloring together
2.Creating security reducing anxiety and improving focus
The best times in my daily schedule seems to be when we do free play all the kids playing together and learning how to share. The most challenging is when is lunch time because the kids want to keep playing with the toys and not eat
CUANDO HAGO MI CURRICULUM MENSUAL TRATO DE PONER ACTIVIDADES PARA TODAS LAS EDADES Y TENGO UNA LIBRETA DIARIA PARTA CADA NIÑO Y ALLI RESUMO LA ACTIVIDAD DIARIA Y COMO EL REACCIONO A ESA AC CTIVIDAD Y SI NECESITA MAS ORIENTACION EN ESA MATERIA
Luego de hacer el circle time tenemos instrumentos al alcance de los nenes patra que ellos puedan tomar el de su eleccion y leemos un libro y hablamos de lo que vimos en el libro y hacemos actividades referente a eso
Free choice is best for us in the afternoon then they are all settled in for the day everyone , they have their second wind , I give them choices or they choose so long as it is appropriate.
Morning greetings seemed to be the most chaotic at one point because, children arrived at different times some before breakfast some after .
At one point I was starting my routine over as the children came in , because I didn’t want the children to miss the lesson it took a bit I learned it was much easier to stick with a routine it’s better for me and the children. The children know what comes next it is so important and impactful that I stick with a schedule the children know what comes next.
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