Toddler Classroom Sample Daily Rhythm
Here’s an example daily schedule
for our toddler classrooms:
Morning
Arrival and breakfast
Open – 9:00 a.m.
It’s so nice to see everyone this morning! As children arrive, they are welcomed by smiling teachers. They can eat breakfast and play quietly while they wait for their friends to arrive.
Morning snack
9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
If your toddler didn’t eat breakfast with us, it’s time to have a quick healthy snack before we begin our day.
Group time
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The start to our day is when we come together as a group 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
9:30 a.m. – 10:10 a.m.
Activity centers are an important part of our classrooms. This is where kids can play and explore on their own, or work together on a theme-related activity led by a teacher.
Outdoor play
10:10 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
It’s time to go outside! Mostly little ones play on their own, using their imaginations. Outdoor time can also be part of our daily themed activity.
Lunch
10:40 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Time to wash our hands, help set tables, and get ready to eat lunch!
Afternoon
Rest time
11:50 a.m. – 1:50 p.m.
Ssshh … it’s quiet time. Most children will nap, but if they wake up (or if they never quite get to sleep), they can select different quiet activities, such as looking at books.
Afternoon snack
1:50 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.
They’ll have a nutritious snack like apples and seed butter.
Activity centers
2:05 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Kids come back to activity centers to play and explore on their own or do a theme-related activity led by a teacher.
Outdoor play
2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
It’s time to go outside again! They might play on their own or participate in a group activity.
Focus activity
3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
The classroom comes together to do a group activity! This can happen either inside or outside the classroom.
Group time
3:45 p.m. – 4:00 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 or a song.
Activity centers and pick-up
4:00 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 activity centers on their own.
Return to the Toddler Program Page
