Starting at a new daycare or preschool is a big step—not just for little ones, but for their families too! At our center, one of the most important ways we help ease that transition is by clearly communicating our daily schedule.

Why is this so important? Because routines bring comfort. When parents know what to expect each day—from morning circle time and outdoor play, to lunch and quiet rest—they feel more confident about leaving their child in our care. And when children start to settle into a predictable rhythm, they feel safer, more secure, and better able to learn and grow.

Sharing the schedule also helps parents support their child at home. If they know when nap time or snack time usually happens, they can adjust home routines to align more smoothly, which often makes transitions easier for everyone.

Whether it’s posted in our classrooms, included in your welcome packet, or talked through during your tour, our daily schedule isn’t just a list of times and activities—it’s a window into your child’s day and a way we build trust from the very beginning.

Have questions about our schedule? We’re always happy to walk you through it. After all, communication and connection are at the heart of everything we do!

Below you will find a sample of a daily schedule, each classroom may have slight variations in exact times but some items like meal times and rest time are the same throughout the program.

 

A Day in the Life of Your Preschooler!

 

🌞 Morning Drop-Off, Warm Welcome, and Breakfast

Each day begins with smiles and warm greetings from our teachers. Children hang up their backpacks, say goodbye to grown-ups, and jump right into fun with friends. During this time children are offered a healthy and delicious breakfast. Each day children are offered milk, fruit, and a whole grain rich item such as cereal, muffins, waffles, etc. Breakfast runs from 6:30am-9:15am each morning.

🎨 Learning Through Play

From building blocks and painting to exploring nature and dramatic play, every moment is a chance to grow social, emotional, and cognitive skills—without even realizing it!

🧩 Choice Centers & Small Groups

Children rotate through engaging centers like science, art, literacy, and math—with plenty of hands-on activities and teacher support. These centers happen throughout the day!

📚 Circle Time

We gather to sing songs, read stories, and talk about the day ahead. It’s a time for connection and learning in a cozy group setting. To learn your child’s specific time for circle you can speak with your child’s teacher or check their posted daily schedule.

🌳 Outdoor Adventures

Fresh air and movement are essential! Our preschoolers love climbing, running, digging, and discovering the world outside. The children go outside twice a day, younger preschoolers go outside from 9:30am-10:30am and again from 3:00pm-3:45pm. Older preschoolers have their outside time from 10:30am-11:30am and again from 4:00pm-4:45pm.

🍎 Lunch & Afternoon Snack

Healthy meals and snacks are enjoyed together. We encourage independence, good manners, and trying new foods! We have lunch each day at 11:30am. Robbins offers children a fruit or vegetable and milk to go along with their lunch from home. (Packing lunch each day can be daunting, see the lunchtime flyer at the end of this blog for some great lunch ideas!) At 2:30pm children are offered a whole grain rich snack along with fruit juice.

💤 Rest & Quiet Time

Midday means time to rest. Whether your child naps or just relaxes, we create a calm, cozy space for recharging. Rest time falls between 12:15pm-2:15pm. Children are encouraged to bring a small to mid-sized blanket and a small stuffed animal from home to help them relax.

🎶 Afternoon Fun & Pick-Up

The day winds down with more outdoor fun, music, stories, and one last chance to play before hugs at pick-up time.

🥪 Lunchbox Inspiration for Your Preschooler

We know packing lunch every day can feel like a big task—especially when you’re not sure what your little one will eat after a busy morning of learning and play! Here are some simple, kid-friendly lunch ideas to help you get started:

🧺 Easy & Nutritious Lunch Ideas:

  • Mini Sandwiches or Wraps
    Try turkey and cheese, hummus and cucumber, or sun butter and jelly (nut-free!).
  • Pasta Salad
    Whole wheat pasta with veggies and a little dressing or cheese cubes on the side.
  • DIY Lunchables
    Sliced meats, cheese, whole grain crackers, and fruit slices.
  • Veggie + Dip Combos
    Carrot sticks, cucumber, or bell pepper strips with ranch or hummus.
  • Fruit & Yogurt Parfaits
    Layer yogurt, granola (nut-free), and fruit in a container for a sweet and healthy treat.
  • Breakfast-for-Lunch
    Mini pancakes or waffles, hard-boiled eggs, and a side of berries.
  • Cheese Quesadilla Slices
    Easy to make ahead and serve with guacamole or salsa (mild!).

🍎 Don’t Forget:

  • A water bottle
  • Ice packs to keep things fresh
  • Easy-open containers your child can manage independently

We’re here to support your family in making lunch fun and stress-free. If you ever need ideas or guidance around food preferences or allergies, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!