Daily Routine
A day at Sunny Bear
Every room follows a steady rhythm. There's time to play, eat, rest, sing, read, and get outside. Kids know what's coming next, and that helps them feel settled. The times below are a guide. Teachers adjust for the weather and for the children in the room.
Our teachers speak Spanish and English with the children every day. We're adopting the free Early Learning Matters (ELM) curriculum, which is built around guided play and helps teachers plan activities that fit each child's age and interests.
Infants
3 months to about 15 months
Babies set their own pace. In the early months, we follow your baby's routine for feeding, sleeping, and play. As they grow, they ease into the room's daily rhythm. Each day includes tummy time, songs, stories, and safe sensory play.
7:30–8:30: Arrival
8:30–9:15: Free play and story time
9:15–9:45: Diaper change and hand washing
9:45–10:00: Breakfast
10:00–11:00: Outdoor time or circle time (we alternate, weather permitting)
11:00–11:30: Diaper change and hand washing
11:30–12:00: Lunch
12:30–2:30: Nap time
2:30–3:00: Diaper change
3:00–3:30: Afternoon snack
3:30–4:30: Afternoon circle
4:30–5:00: Diaper change
5:00–5:30: Free play and pickup
Babies always sleep on their backs, in their own crib. Diapers get changed on the schedule above and any time they're wet or soiled.
Toddlers
About 15 months to 3 years
Toddlers are busy. Their day mixes play, music, and circle time with the self-help skills they're working on, like washing hands, feeding themselves, and learning to use the potty.
7:30–8:30: Good morning! Hand washing and free play
8:30–9:00: Breakfast, diaper change, and potty time
9:00–9:30: Play time
9:30–9:45: Music and dance
9:45–10:30: Circle time
10:30–11:15: Activity time
11:15–12:45: Hand washing and lunch
12:45–1:00: Diaper change and potty time
1:00–3:00: Nap time
3:00–3:30: Afternoon snack
3:30–3:45: Diaper change and potty time
3:45–4:30: Reading and coloring
4:30–5:00: Free play and music
5:00–5:30: Free play and getting ready to go home
Preschool
About 3 years to 5 years
Preschoolers get more hands-on projects, longer circle times, and lots of stories. This is where kids get ready for kindergarten: early reading and writing, counting, taking turns, and following classroom routines.
7:30–8:30: Arrival
8:30–9:30: Free play
9:30–10:00: Breakfast
10:00–10:30: Circle time
10:30–11:30: Hands-on activities or a walk outside (weather permitting)
11:30–11:45: Clean up
11:45–12:30: Story time
12:30–1:30: Lunch
1:30–3:00: Nap time
3:00–3:30: Afternoon snack
3:30–4:30: Afternoon circle
4:30–5:30: Free play and pickup
Toddlers and preschoolers in our morning program come from 9:00am to 12:30pm.
Meals, naps, and outside time
Meals You pack breakfast and lunch, and we provide snacks. Meals stay in the classroom fridge and get warmed up when it's time to eat. We're a peanut-free center.
Naps Everyone gets a real rest after lunch, in their own crib or on their own mat. Kids who don't fall asleep rest quietly or get a calm activity.
Outside We don't have a yard of our own, so we head out into the neighborhood. Teachers walk the children to nearby parks and playgrounds, weather permitting. Please dress your child for the weather and for getting a little messy.
Come see a day for yourself
Tours are on weekdays between 4:30 and 5:30pm. You'll see the rooms in action and meet the teachers.