A typical day of daycare involves meticulous planning, unyielding effort, and unwavering dedication, yet many remain unaware of the intricate details shaping these hours.
In this glimpse into a typical day, discover the rhythm of activities that define my role now that my own children have grown.
6:00 am: Rise and shine, get dressed, prepare coffee, grab a quick bite, and ready breakfast for early arrivals.
7:30 am: Open the door to welcome the first child. After hanging up jackets, setting shoes aside, and washing our hands, it’s time for breakfast, (sometimes) changing into the day’s clothes, and engaging in quiet play.
8:45 am: Clean up after breakfast and guide children to tables for coloring, puzzles, or Legos.
9:00 am: Energizing morning exercises with the kids, followed by discussions about the days of the week and the calendar.
9:30 am: Dive into a captivating story, followed by free time and dancing.
9:45 am: Prepare snacks and ensure children wash their hands or take a bathroom break. This means checking diapers, making sure toilet training children “try”, and changing or assisting as needed.
10:00 am: Snack time and a refreshing drink, followed by cleaning the table, washing dishes, and gearing up for learning activities. Learning materials and stickers for completed tasks come out.
10:20 am: Assist children with learning pages and begin preparing lunch.
10:45 am: Weather permitting, head outside to play. In case of unfavorable weather, opt for baking or crafting indoors.
11:30 am: Transition inside, encouraging gentle play and quiet voices while preparing lunch. If we stayed inside, it’s time to clean up toys and have some free time.
12:00 pm: Lunchtime! After cleanup and checking diapers/bathroom breaks, I serve meals, drinks, and desserts as they finish.
12:45 pm: Help little ones settle for nap time and older children for quiet activities.
1:00 pm: Tackle household chores (wash dishes, clean kitchen, wash down bathrooms, wash kitchen floor), grab a quick lunch, and prepare an afternoon snack. Keep an eye on the sleeping children.
2:00 pm: Engage older children in crafts, baking, or quiet activities at their discretion, listening for the little ones waking up. Encourage gentle play and indoor voices.
3:00 pm: Snack time again! Check diapers and assist with toilet training. Clean up napping areas and mats.
3:30 pm: Everyone enjoys snacks and drinks, followed by washing up and cleaning the table and children.
4:00 pm: Weather permitting, outdoor playtime; otherwise, engage in circle time with interactive games. Encourage gentle play and indoor voices.
4:45 pm: Begin shutdown procedures, assisting with shoes and jackets, cleaning up, and preparing crafts and learning materials to take home. Allow educational TV time until pickup.
5:15 pm: Inventory check, cleaning, and communication with parents, ensuring a smooth handover of their children’s day.
5:45 pm: Update the daycare’s social media page (for parents only), complete final cleaning tasks, and ensure all lights and rooms are secure.
6:00 pm: Finally, I sit down with my husband, savor supper, and breathe after a fulfilling day.
Despite the challenges like handling a teething child or adapting to unexpected situations, my love for this career and caring for these children remains unshaken. It’s not merely a job; it’s a passion and a commitment that fills my days with purpose and joy.
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