Daily Schedule

FREE PLAY  Children choose an area of interest. Teachers move from “center” to “center,” listening to children, helping them where appropriate and making suggestions that will extend and expand their experience.  Daily activities are structured around each child’s interests and developmentally appropriate skill building. Teachers always keep in mind that it is the child's discoveries and creativity that lead to learning and to the child's development of independence and self-esteem.

CLEAN-UP TIME  As a part of teaching trust and responsibility all children assist with clean up.

GROUP TIME  During this period the Teacher reads to children, followed by a discussion. This is also a time that teachers provide music and movement activities.  Although music and movement are incorporated into the free play, “Group Time” is also a time for Teachers to lead in singing songs and in doing finger plays with the students.

SNACK  In the younger groups, parents on a rotating basis provide nutritious snacks. The 4 year old children bring their own snack.

OUTDOOR TIME  Every day the children play outdoors, except in wet or extreme weather, when the all-purpose room is utilized.  The Twos use the fenced-enclosed playground. The Threes and Fours have a choice of  three outdoor play areas, our playground, the open grassy field and the wheeled toy riding area.

ENRICHMENT  Good Shepherd offers programs in music, movement, sign language, and nature studies during the morning sessions. The music specialist meets with the children twice a month. The movement specialist meets with them once a month. The American Sign Language program meets twice a month with the four year olds. The environmental outreach program, The Nature of Things, brings live specimens to the students five times a year.