A regular, daily schedule teaches children a needed sense of security through a predicted environment. "Daily routines form the framework for a young child's day;  some children depend on them for a sense of security...But no matter what type of schedule the early childhood program follows, there are certain routines that should occur daily" (Gonzalez-Mena, 2001, pp. 262). Children are more secure in a place that has a consistent schedule because they know what to expect next. Schedules and routines are important because they influence a child's emotional, cognitive and social development, help children feel secure, help children understand expectations, help reduce behavior issues, increase engagement.

Schedules are the "big picture", the main activities that need to be completed daily.  Routines  are the steps needed to complete the schedule.  Both schedules and routines need to be taught to children.  When we post our daily schedule we can't expect that children know what to do unless we teach them first.  For example, circle time is a part of the above daily schedule.  It is important to post a picture of circle time (ideally of your students at circle time) so children have a visual of what to do at circle time.  The picture isn't enough, though, you have to teach them what it means to be at circle time, what the routine is at circle time. This teaching occurs daily until children understand what it means to be at circle time and may have to be revisited throughout the year as needed.

During our visits, some of you ask us what should be included in the daily schedule?  The daily schedule includes, but is not limited to:

• group or circle time
• activity or center time
• snack time
• outdoor time
• story time

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