New Hope Early Learning Center
Our Daily Schedule
A consistent daily routine helps children feel safe, secure, and confident in their environment. At New Hope Early Learning Center, we follow a predictable schedule that balances structure with flexibility, allowing children to anticipate what comes next while leaving plenty of space for exploration, discovery, and joy.
The Role of Outdoor Play
Outdoor play is a highlight of each day and a crucial opportunity for gross motor development, imaginative play, and connection with the natural world. It’s also a time for children to explore science and math concepts through hands-on, open-ended experiences—often accompanied by lots of movement and joyful noise. We go outside in most weather and partner with families to make sure children have the gear to make those experiences fun.
Designed for Development
Research shows that free play is vital to a child’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. That’s why our schedule includes generous blocks of child-directed play, both indoors and outdoors. During these times, teachers thoughtfully prepare the environment with developmentally appropriate materials to encourage imaginative, sensory-rich, and collaborative experiences.
In addition to free play, teacher-initiated activities are woven throughout the day to introduce new concepts and encourage skill-building. These experiences are intentionally designed to be stimulating and engaging—never overwhelming—so that children feel challenged and empowered, not frustrated.
Sample Daily Schedule
8:00–9:00 — Arrival, Free Play
9:00–10:00 — Breakfast*
10:00–10:15 — Circle Time
10:15–11:00 — Guided Activities / Free Play / Music
11:00–11:45 — Outdoor Play and Exploration
11:45–12:15 — Lunch*
12:15–12:30 — Transition to Rest Time (toileting, diapering, quiet reading, soft music)
12:30–2:30 — Rest Time (quiet activities available for non-sleepers)
2:30–2:45 — Transition from Rest Time (toileting, diapering, quiet re-entry)
2:30–3:30 — Snack*
3:00–4:00 — Open-ended Play
4:00–5:30 — Outdoor Play and Exploration, Departure
Please note that this schedule is a general guide. We remain flexible to accommodate field trips, special activities, or changes in weather. Sometimes, a beautiful day calls for spending the whole morning outside—and we’re happy to follow the children’s lead when it serves their learning and joy.
*All meals and snacks are available to children during a one-hour serving period, but children do not spend all of this time at the table. Children are encouraged to engage in self-directed play when they have finished eating.
Ready to Learn More About Enrollment?
Because we follow a continuity of care model, most new openings occur each August when cohorts begin. Learn more about our enrollment process and how to join our waitlist today. Learn more about enrollment >