A Day in the Life of a One Hope Preschooler

What to Expect in Our Programs

At One Hope Preschool, every day is an adventure in learning, exploration, and growth. We believe that a well-rounded early childhood experience sets the foundation for a lifetime of success. Our programs are designed to meet children where they are developmentally, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Here’s a detailed walkthrough of what a typical day looks like for each of our preschool classes.

Zebras - Infants (6 Weeks Old Through Walking)

Morning:

Arrival and Settling In: The day begins with a warm welcome as infants are greeted by their caregivers. Parents can rest assured knowing that real-time updates will be provided through the ProCare app.
Sensory Exploration: Infants engage in sensory activities that stimulate their developing senses. This might include textured toys, soft music, or visual stimuli like mobiles. These activities are part of the Frog Street Infant Curriculum, which focuses on fine and gross motor skills development.

Mid-Morning:

Feeding and Napping: After a period of exploration, infants are fed and then put down for a nap. The schedule is flexible to accommodate each child’s unique needs, ensuring they are well-rested and comfortable.
Tummy Time and Motor Skills: Upon waking, infants participate in tummy time, which helps strengthen their muscles and develop motor skills. Caregivers provide close, nurturing attention, encouraging movement and exploration.

Afternoon:

Interactive Play: The afternoon includes interactive play where infants engage with caregivers through songs, stories, and one-on-one attention. These interactions are crucial for language development and emotional bonding.

End of Day:

Calm and Wind Down: The day concludes with calming activities such as rocking, soft music, or quiet play. Infants are prepared for pick-up, and caregivers provide parents with updates on their child’s day.

Giraffes - Toddlers (Walking Through 2 Years Old)

Morning:

Arrival and Circle Time: Toddlers arrive and begin their day with circle time, where they sing songs, listen to stories, and engage in simple discussions. This helps develop language skills and fosters a sense of community.
Creative Play: Following circle time, toddlers dive into creative play. Using the Frog Street Toddler Curriculum, activities might include building with blocks, drawing, or exploring age-appropriate puzzles. These activities enhance cognitive and motor skills.

Mid-Morning:

Outdoor Exploration: Weather permitting, toddlers enjoy outdoor playtime where they can run, climb, and explore the playground. This time is essential for physical development and helps burn off some of their abundant energy.
Snack Time: After outdoor play, the children gather for a healthy snack. This is also a social time where they learn about sharing and taking turns.

Afternoon:

Storytime and Nap: Post-lunch, toddlers wind down with a story, followed by a nap. Rest is crucial at this stage, allowing their bodies and minds to recharge.
Learning Centers: Upon waking, toddlers rotate through various learning centers that might include art, sensory bins, and imaginative play areas. These centers encourage creativity and problem-solving skills.

End of Day:

Group Activities and Music: The day ends with group activities, such as dancing to music or participating in simple group games. This fosters social interaction and cooperation.

Toucans - 2-Year-Olds

Morning:

Arrival and Morning Routine: Two-year-olds start their day with a structured morning routine that includes handwashing, a greeting circle, and discussing the day’s plan. This helps establish predictability and comfort.
Interactive Learning: Using the Frog Street Toddler Curriculum, children participate in activities designed to enhance their physical, cognitive, and social/emotional skills. This might include sorting games, simple puzzles, and group discussions.

Mid-Morning:

Outdoor Play and Exploration: Outdoor play continues to be a significant part of the day, with activities that challenge their growing physical abilities and encourage exploration of the natural world.
Art and Creativity: After outdoor time, children engage in art activities like painting, drawing, or crafting. These activities foster creativity and fine motor skills.

Afternoon:

Storytime and Rest: The afternoon includes a quiet storytime to help children transition into a restful nap. The stories are often tied to the day’s theme or lessons, reinforcing learning in a calming way.
Hands-On Activities: After naptime, children participate in hands-on activities that promote learning through play. This might include building with blocks, role-playing in a pretend kitchen, or exploring sensory bins.

End of Day:

Reflection and Sharing: The day ends with a reflection period where children share something they enjoyed or learned. This helps them develop communication skills and confidence in expressing themselves.

Pandas - 3-Year-Olds

Morning:

Arrival and Group Circle: Three-year-olds start their day with a group circle where they discuss the day’s weather, calendar, and activities. This is a key time for socialization and learning about routines.
Thematic Learning: The Frog Street Threes Curriculum guides thematic learning, where activities are centered around a weekly theme. This could include hands-on science experiments, learning new vocabulary, or exploring numbers and letters through games.

Mid-Morning:

Outdoor and Gross Motor Activities: Physical activity is crucial at this stage, so children spend time outdoors or in a gym setting, engaging in activities that develop their gross motor skills.
Snack and Social Time: Snack time is paired with social interaction, where children practice manners, sharing, and conversation.

Afternoon:

Rest and Relaxation: Following lunch, children have a rest period, with some choosing to nap and others engaging in quiet activities like reading or puzzles.
Project-Based Learning: The afternoon often involves project-based learning where children work on longer-term projects related to the weekly theme. This might involve creating art, building models, or exploring nature.

End of Day:

Story Sharing and Songs: The day wraps up with children sharing stories, singing songs, or playing simple group games. This reinforces the day’s learning in a fun, interactive way.

Leap Frogs - Pre-K (4-Year-Olds)

Morning:

Arrival and Morning Circle: Pre-K students start their day with a structured morning circle, discussing the calendar, weather, and the day’s learning objectives. This sets a tone of readiness and curiosity.
Academic Readiness: The Frog Street Pre-K Curriculum drives morning activities, focusing on academic readiness. Children engage in literacy activities such as letter recognition, phonics, and early writing. Math concepts are introduced through counting, sorting, and simple addition.

Mid-Morning:

STEM and Exploration: Children participate in STEM activities that might include simple science experiments, exploring nature, or working with building materials to understand basic engineering concepts.
Outdoor Play and Physical Education: Outdoor time includes structured physical activities that promote gross motor skills, teamwork, and physical fitness.

Afternoon:

Lunch and Social Development: Lunch is a key social time, where children practice manners, engage in conversations, and learn about nutrition and healthy eating habits.
Rest and Quiet Time: After lunch, children have a rest period. While some children nap, others may engage in quiet activities such as reading or drawing.
Creative Arts and Expression: The afternoon is dedicated to creative arts, where children express themselves through painting, music, dance, and drama. This helps in developing their imagination and emotional expression.

End of Day:

Reflection and Preparation for Tomorrow: The day concludes with a reflection period where children review what they learned and prepare for the next day. They might share their favorite activities, discuss what they’re excited about for tomorrow, and participate in a closing song or story.

Conclusion

Each day at One Hope Preschool is carefully structured to provide a balanced mix of academic learning, physical activity, creative expression, and social interaction. Our programs, from Zebras to Leap Frogs, are designed to meet the developmental needs of each age group, ensuring that every child receives the nurturing and support they need to thrive. By creating a warm, engaging, and educational environment, we help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.