Objectives of Daily Learning Activities

Daily learning activities include a balance of child-led exploration and caregiver-initiated activities. Ample time, materials and space is allowed for children to actively explore the world around them while scheduled daily activities are planned with specific objectives for each individual child; according to age and level of development. Daily activities from infancy through school age are designed to:

Foster positive self-esteem.
Encourage the development of communication and social skills.
Support independence and problem-solving skills.
Strengthen small and large muscle skills.
Develop safe and healthy habits to last a lifetime.
Stimulate imagination and creative expression.
Promote tolerance and anti-bias attitudes.
Consider the individual needs of each child.

Daily Activities are Play-Based Learning

Play is the major component of our program. Play is essential for all children's well-being and development; new concepts, improved skills and enhanced comprehension come to children through play. While playing, children learn to originate and organize ideas, become more flexible in problem solving, and develop longer attention spans. During play children learn to communicate their thoughts, feelings, ideas and needs to others. Play encourages children experience the world around them and develops imaginations that take them anywhere they want to go.

Toys are Essential for Daily Learning

Toys are the learning tools of children. The toys and materials at Tata’s Home Child Care, LLC are carefully selected to encourage language development, large and small muscle development, creativity, imagination, self-help skills and cultural awareness. Toys and materials are rotated as appropriate to reflect children's current interests and learning goals.

Daily Learning Activities Occur Outdoors Too

Learning doesn't stop when we go outside! Outdoors is the obvious place for daily activities to develop large muscle skills, explore nature, learn science concepts, and participate in social studies. We also enjoy art activities, music and movement, and imaginative play outdoors. All children, including infants and toddlers, will play outdoors daily if our Michigan weather permits. We may be kept indoors if:

It is raining more than a light drizzle.
Temperatures with wind chill fall below 20 degrees.
Temperatures with heat index are above 90 degrees.

Daily Activities Require the Proper Clothing

Actively playing children get dirty and may be rough on their clothing, so sturdy "play" clothes are the best choice for daily wear. In addition, choosing clothing that your child can easily manage will help her develop independence. In order to enjoy outdoor activities, your child needs appropriate clothing for the weather. Please plan for your child to keep the following items at child care during the appropriate season:

A sweatshirt or jacket during the spring and fall.
Boots, snow pants, mittens and a hat during the winter.
An old swimsuit and towel - that you don't mind getting sandy or dirty - in the summer.

All items should be clearly marked with your child's name and taken home as needed for cleaning.

Meals are Daily Learning Activities

Mealtimes are daily learning activities as the children develop small muscle skills and eye-hand coordination by serving themselves. We also use mealtimes as opportunities to promote good nutrition and healthy habits through discussion and carefully planned weekly menus. Since cooking activities are among the children's favorite activities we regularly plan cooking activities that correspond with the current theme, season, or the children's interests.

Daily Activities Include Naps

After a morning full of free play and planned learning activities we're ready for a break! Active children need rest to experience proper growth and development. In addition, licensing regulations require that children under the age of five lie down to nap every day. Children over one year may wish to have a favorite toy or blanket kept at Tata’s Home Child Care, LLC for naps. The following policies govern nap time:

Each child will be provided with a porta-crib and sheet, or nap cot with sheet, pillow, and blanket - depending age and development.
Children under one year old will sleep in a porta-crib with NO pillow, blankets or stuffed animals.
Children one to two years old will use a porta-crib or nap cot as appropriate to the individual child.
Children three and older will use a nap cot with pillow and blanket for nap time.
All bedding is laundered when soiled or after every five uses.
Children who are five or older will have a quiet rest time every day where they can look at books or play quietly by themselves.

Daily Activities include Holidays

Children look forward to holidays and enjoy celebrating them each year. We celebrate Valentine's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and each of the children's birthdays. You are always welcome to come and celebrate holidays and birthdays with us, or to send a treat to help us celebrate. When sending treats please keep in mind the number and ages of children in care.

Neighborhood Walks are Learning Activities

We often take walks around the neighborhood to enjoy the scenery and see how familiar landmarks are changed by the seasons. Along the way we may stop to watch construction, chat with neighbors, examine an interesting bug, or collect leaves, dandelions, or other signs of the season. Depending on individual age and ability, children will be pushed in a stroller, pulled in a wagon, or walk along with us. Emergency information for each child will be taken with us whenever we leave the premises.

Daily Activities and Transportation

Due to the challenges of transporting young children safely and our concern for your child's well-being, Tata’s Home Child Care, LLC does not transport children except in the case of an emergency.

Daily Activities - TV/Movies

Television is a part of everyday life for most American families, and including TV watching in our daily activities is in keeping with our family-style program. Generally the TV is only on before breakfast and lunch as we are preparing the meals. We also have a TV with DVD player in the basement that is used during tornado and severe weather situations when needed. We only watch TV programs that are appropriate for preschoolers, and movies with a G rating. In order to keep our TV watching to a minimum please do not allow your child to bring any videos or DVDs to child care.

Articles about Daily Activities in Child Care Settings

Choosing a high quality infant and toddler child care program isn't easy, but these articles will help you find the right program for your family.