A day in the life of Stepping Stones Childcare

Here’s an example of our daily schedule.

7.45am: Children begin arriving

Quiet activities are set up ready for the children to explore and help in settling them ready for the day.

10.00am – Whakapai i te Whare

All children are encouraged to help tidy up. The teachers role model good habits, and how it’s important to look after our environment.

10.15am – Mat time

Mat times provide learning through music, movement, stories as well as practising sitting still ready for school. This mat time is our biggest as the morning is when the children are most attentive and are able to concentrate and participate better.

10.35am – Morning tea/Kai time

We all sit together at tables, with the teachers role modeling in helping children to learn table manners and healthy eating.

Karakia is said before eating.

11.00am – Free play

Activities are set up based on children’s interests or set up to inspire them in new ways. During this time, they are also working on social skills, turn taking and communicating with others. This is a great opportunity for teachers to engage in more one-on-one activities, or smaller groups.

12.15pm – Prepare for Mat Time

12.30pm – Mat time

During this mat time, some of our older children may join one of the teachers for a specialised mat time as part of our senior programme.

12.45pm – Lunch/Kai time

1.00pm – Free play

2.30pm – Whakapai i te Whare

We look to get everyone involved in helping tidy up everything ready for the next day. This is our big tidy up where most things will be returned to their rightful place within the centre.

2.45pm – Mat time

This mat time is a nice small one to finish the day. We tend to do sharing or reading, and parents begin to pick up children.

3.00pm – Afternoon tea/Kai time

3.20pm – Quiet play

Puzzles, books and quiet games with the teachers is a nice way to wind down at the end of a busy day.

5.15pm – Closing time