Procedures - Daily Routines

Section: Human Resource Procedures 
Procedure Owner: Ignition633 Ministries Nigeria Human Resources 
Procedure Name: Daily Routine Procedures
Origination Date: January 2025

Purpose
To provide structure and consistency in the child care environment, promoting a sense of security and stability for children. These procedures aim to support children’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs by establishing predictable schedules for activities such as meals, playtime, learning, rest, and hygiene.

Scope
Includes establishing structured schedules for activities like meals, play, learning, rest, and hygiene; ensuring routines are age-appropriate and adaptable; fostering emotional security; managing smooth transitions; supporting children’s well-being; training staff for consistency and flexibility; and maintaining communication with parents.

Definition
Daily: refers to something that occurs, is done, or is used every day, on a regular basis. It implies a repeated or routine activity within a 24-hour period.
Routines: are regular, repeated patterns of actions or activities performed in a specific order, often forming part of daily life. 

Daily Routine Procedures
A structured daily routine helps children feel safe, learn important habits, and grow in a consistent environment. In our daycare, having a daily routine that suits children of various ages ensures everyone feels included, comfortable, and supported in their development.

Infant Schedule
An infant daycare schedule is typically designed to meet the needs of children between the ages of six weeks and 18 months (or when they begin walking). Building opportunities to engage with infants one-on-one will help encourage their progress on all developmental milestones.

Infant Daycare Schedule

Toddler schedule guidelines
Once your children are mobile toddlers, their daily schedule will change, with the biggest difference most likely being the absence of the morning nap. Toddlers' daily schedules will contain ample outdoor/gross motor time to foster important physical development at this age.
Toddlers need plenty of group play time to explore the beginnings of cooperative play. Your schedule can encourage interactions during activities or at play centers in the classroom. The younger ones will benefit from observing the older toddlers as they begin to play and interact with each other. Imitation is key as they build a real understanding of working with others around them.

Toddler Day Care Schedule:

Preschool schedule
This is the age at which the afternoon nap starts dropping off, typically from three to five years old. So nap time can also turn into quiet reading time for those who can’t fall asleep. The other big shift will be towards more cognitive and literacy skills in preparation for kindergarten. Your daily preschool schedule can include more table and task-centered activity blocks to ensure they leave your center fully equipped to handle the transition to school. 

Preschooler daily schedule

Whatever your variation on these schedules is, it’s important to post your daily schedule in the classroom and share it with parents to keep them informed. This way, they can follow the schedule even when the children are home. A consistent daycare schedule framework will ensure that each age group’s developmental needs are met, which will help build trust with parents. Follow the daycare routine as much as possible and encourage parents to do the same, allowing flexibility as special events or opportunities arise.

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This procedure will be reviewed annually and is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all employees promptly. 

For any questions or further assistance regarding this policy, employees should contact the HR department at hr.nigeria@ignition633.org.