Daily Activities - Daily Learning Activities

So what will your child do at Amy & Kids Co all day? Plenty! Every day in our child care program is a day for growth and play-based learning. Our daily learning activities enhance self-esteem, nurture the whole child, and set the stage for future success in life.

Objectives of Daily Learning Activities

Daily learning activities include a balance of child-led exploration and caregiver-initiated activities. Ample time, materials and space is allowed for children to actively explore the world around them while scheduled daily activities are planned with specific objectives for each individual child; according to age and level of development. Daily activities from infancy through school age are designed to:

Daily Activities are Play-Based Learning

Play is the major component of our program. Play is essential for all children's well-being and development; new concepts, improved skills and enhanced comprehension come to children through play. While playing, children learn to originate and organize ideas, become more flexible in problem solving, and develop longer attention spans. During play children learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, ideas and needs to others. Play encourages children experience the world around them and develop imaginations that take them anywhere they want to go.

Toys are Essential for Daily Learning

Toys are the learning tools of children. The toys and materials at Amy & Kids Co. are carefully selected to encourage language development, large and small muscle development, creativity, imagination, self-help skills and cultural awareness. Toys and materials are rotated as appropriate to reflect children's current interests and learning goals.

Daily Learning Activities Occur Outdoors Too

Learning doesn't stop when we go outside! Outdoors is the obvious place for daily activities to develop large muscle skills, explore nature, learn science concepts, and participate in social studies. We also enjoy art activities, music and movement, and imaginative play outdoors. All children, including infants and toddlers, will play outdoors daily if our Wisconsin weather permits. We may be kept indoors if:

Daily Activities Require the Proper Clothing

Actively playing children get dirty and may be rough on their clothing, so sturdy "play" clothes are the best choice for daily wear. In addition, choosing clothing that your child can easily manage will help her develop independence. In order to enjoy outdoor activities, your child needs appropriate clothing for the weather. Please plan for your child to keep the following items at child care during the appropriate season:

All items should be clearly marked with your child's name and taken home as needed for cleaning.

Meals are Daily Learning Activities

Mealtimes are daily learning activities as the children develop small muscle skills and eye-hand coordination by serving themselves. We also use mealtimes as opportunities to promote good nutrition and healthy habits through discussion and carefully planned weekly menus. Since cooking activities are among the children's favorite activities we regularly plan cooking activities that correspond with the current theme, season, or the children's interests.

Daily Activities Include Naps

After a morning full of free play and planned learning activities we're ready for a break! Active children need rest to experience proper growth and development. In addition, licensing regulations require that children under the age of five lie down to nap every day. Children over one year may wish to have a favorite toy or blanket kept at Amy & Kids Co. for naps. The following policies govern nap time:

Daily Activities and Pets

Pets can add an extra amount of love and excitement to our daily activities. Currently we have a variety of pets for your child to experience, including fish, hermit crabs, and house cats. While the fish and hermit crabs are in aquariums and inaccessible to the children, the kitties can often be found napping in the areas where the children play. The cats are patient with the children as long as they are not mishandled, and the children's interactions with them are monitored as closely as possible. All available vaccinations of pets are kept current and a record kept on file. Pet care equipment, including cat food, water, and litter boxes, are in areas inaccessible to the children. Please let us know if your child is allergic to any of our pets.

Religion is part of our Daily Activities

Our family is Christian and our faith is an integral part of our everyday lives. The daily activities At Amy & Kids Co. include routinely praying at lunch, and regular use of Christian songs, videos, books, and other materials. We do not follow a Christian or religious curriculum, although we do celebrate Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, as well as secular ones.

Daily Activities include Holidays

Children look forward to holidays and enjoy celebrating them each year. We celebrate Valentine's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and each of the children's birthdays. You are always welcome to come and celebrate holidays and birthdays with us, or to send a treat to help us celebrate. When sending treats please keep in mind the number and ages of children in care.

Neighborhood Walks are Learning Activities

We often take walks around the neighborhood to enjoy the scenery and see how familiar landmarks are changed by the seasons. Along the way we may stop to watch construction, chat with neighbors, examine an interesting bug, or collect leaves, dandelions, or other signs of the season. Depending on individual age and ability, children will be worn in a sling or infant carrier, pushed in a stroller, pulled in a wagon, or walk along with us. Emergency information for each child will be taken with us whenever we leave the premises.

Daily Activities and Transportation

Due to the challenges of transporting young children safely and our concern for your child's well-being, Amy & Kids Co. does not transport children except in the case of an emergency. When children are transported by the program a checklist will be brought along and attendance taken every time the children enter and exit the vehicle. When all of the children have exited the vehicle I will do a final walk-through to look behind and under each seat to ensure that no child is left in the vehicle. At no time will a child be left unattended in a vehicle. An annual driving record will be on file for every driver of a center-owned vehicle.

Daily Activities - TV/Movies

Television is a part of everyday life for most American families, and including TV watching in our daily activities is in keeping with our family-style program. Generally the TV is only on before breakfast and lunch as we are preparing the meals. We also have a TV with DVD player in the basement that is used during tornado and severe weather situations when needed. We only watch TV programs that are appropriate for preschoolers, and movies with a G rating. In order to keep our TV watching to a minimum please do not allow your child to bring any videos or DVDs to child care.

Articles about Daily Activities in Child Care Settings

Choosing a high quality infant and toddler child care program isn't easy, but these articles will help you find the right program for your family.