Daily Routine
At Casper’s Early Learning Co-operative Centre, our daily routines are designed to provide children with a balance of structured activities and free exploration. While we maintain flexibility to meet the needs of each child, we strive to follow a consistent routine so children feel secure and can anticipate what comes next in their day. This predictability helps build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.​
Our daily schedule typically includes opportunities for indoor play, outdoor exploration, group learning, creative activities, rest time, and nutritious meals. Children are encouraged to participate in age-appropriate routines such as self-help skills, transitioning between activities, and engaging in both individual and group experiences. Educators carefully plan routines to support all areas of development while also being responsive to the children’s interests and energy levels throughout the day.​
We also follow the Play and Exploration: Early Learning Program Guide, which supports a child-centered approach to learning. Through play, children are given opportunities to explore their environment, make discoveries, and express themselves creatively. Educators act as co-learners and guides, encouraging curiosity, problem-solving, and imagination within the flow of the daily routine.​
Casper’s follows the Child Care Regulations of Saskatchewan and adheres to the requirements outlined in the Licensee Manual to ensure that daily routines support children’s health, safety, and well-being. These guidelines help us maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios, provide consistent supervision, and create a nurturing environment that meets provincial standards. Our educators incorporate best practices from these regulations into everyday care, ensuring that children’s routines not only encourage learning and development but also uphold the highest level of safety and quality.​
By balancing structure with flexibility, and by embedding play and exploration throughout the day, our routines help children develop important life skills, create a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and build trusting relationships with educators and peers.
6:15-9:00
Experiential Centres – Children are provided with engaging activities set up in different areas based on their interests and developmental needs. These centres offer a balance of free play, where children can explore and create at their own pace, and group activities, where they come together to share, learn, and prepare for the day ahead.
7:30-9:00
During this time, morning snack is made available for the children. Preschool and school-age children have a “come-and-go” snack, allowing them to eat when they are ready. Infants and toddlers are offered their meals upon arrival within this time frame, ensuring their nutritional needs are met promptly and comfortably.
8:30-8:45
During this time, school-age children begin cleaning up and preparing to walk to school, practicing responsibility and independence as part of their daily routine.
8:30-9:00
This is a busy and important time for both children and staff. It includes diaper changes, bathroom breaks, and tidying up the indoor spaces to prepare for outdoor play. Once ready, children can go outside to enjoy fresh air, engage in physical activity, and develop their large muscle skills through active play.
This routine may vary depending on the weather, ensuring children’s safety and comfort while still supporting opportunities for outdoor exploration whenever possible.
9:00-11:15
Outdoor Experiential Centres take place during this time, offering children a variety of activities such as nature walks, exploring the outdoors, visiting the park, going on field trips, bike rides, water play, and more.
If the weather is not suitable, children remain indoors where they continue to engage in play-based activities and exploration in a safe and stimulating environment.
11:15
Children help clean up the outdoor toys to prepare for a smooth transition to lunchtime, fostering responsibility and cooperation as part of their daily routine.
11-11:30
During this time, diaper changes and potty training take place, and older children use the bathroom as needed. All children wash their hands thoroughly to prepare for lunch, promoting hygiene and healthy habits.
11:30-12:00
All children and staff sit together at the tables to enjoy a healthy lunch prepared by our cook, providing a time for nourishment, social interaction, and practicing good mealtime habits.
12:00-3:00
Nap Time – For children who still take a nap during the day, staff provide support by helping them settle, rubbing their backs, and creating a safe and comforting environment to encourage sleep.
Rest Time – Children who do not nap have a 30-minute quiet rest period to help them relax and calm down. During this time, they are placed in a designated rest area where they can play quietly on their own, promoting self-regulation and a peaceful transition to the afternoon activities.
12:00-1:30
Experiential Centres – Children are provided with engaging activities set up in different areas based on their interests and developmental needs. These centres offer a balance of free play, where children can explore and create at their own pace, and group activities, where they come together to share, learn, and prepare for the day ahead.
1:00-1:30
During this time, diaper changes and potty training take place, and older children use the bathroom as needed. All children wash their hands thoroughly to prepare for lunch, promoting hygiene and healthy habits.
1:30-2:00
Children clean up their play areas to transition smoothly and get ready for snack time, helping them practice responsibility and organization as part of their daily routine.
2:00-2:30
Children enjoy a healthy afternoon snack, providing nourishment and a chance to socialize while refueling for the rest of the day’s activities.
2:30-3:00
During this time, diaper changes and potty training take place, and older children use the bathroom as needed.
2:30-3:00
Children clean up their indoor activities to transition smoothly and prepare for outdoor experiential centres, ensuring a safe and organized environment before heading outside to explore and play.
3:00-3:30
Staff pick up the school-aged children from school, ensuring a safe and timely transition back to the centre for afternoon activities.
Once back, the children enjoy a healthy afternoon snack to refuel and prepare for the rest of their day.
3:00-5:00
All children participate in outdoor experiential play or adventures, which may include exploring nature, going for walks, visiting the park, engaging in water play, riding bikes, or other outdoor activities that encourage physical development, curiosity, and social interaction.
4:30-5:00
Children clean up their play areas to transition smoothly and prepare for home time, fostering responsibility and helping end the day in an organized and calm manner.
4:30-5:00
During this time, diaper changes and potty training take place, and older children use the bathroom as needed, ensuring everyone is clean and comfortable before going home.
5:30-6:00
End-of-Day Preparation – Staff clean up the centre and set up materials and activities for the next day, ensuring a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for children when they arrive.
5:30
If there are children remaining at the centre during this time, we provide a late snack to hold them over until supper, ensuring they are nourished and comfortable while waiting for pick-up.
4:00-6:00
Home Time – Children gradually begin to leave for the day, allowing for a calm and smooth transition as staff say goodbye and ensure each child departs safely.
