In the Explorers Room children use routine and play to translate experience to understanding and to help children become independent.

During random and investigation play, discoveries are made. As teachers, we observe, supply, talk about, encourage, and appreciate, without interfering except when safety is a factor.

Our philosophy is learning through play. All of the following may be part of play episodes:

• Exploring
• Experimenting
• Comparing
• Classifying
• Ordering
• Imitating
• Verbalizing
• Organizing
• Discovering
• Questioning
• Creating
• Problem solving and other thinking skills

Time schedules are flexible, dictated by our children's needs. There is a predictable sequence to each day to help children feel secure.

Teachers support children's play so that they stay interested in an object or activity for longer periods of time and their play becomes more complex.

Children's solitary and parallel play is respected.

Teachers prepare the environment to allow for predictability and repetition.

Teachers frequently read and sing to children individually on laps or in groups.

Children are given appropriate mediums to explore.

Diaper changing, toilet learning, eating, and dressing are viewed as learning experiences.

Children learn to use the toilet through consistent, positive encouragement by teachers.

Children have daily opportunities for exploratory indoor and outdoor activities.

Our goals as teachers in the Explorers Room is to allow our children to live comfortably in their youthful world and encourage them to discover and follow their self-chosen paths to knowledge and maturity. Our role is to accompany children on their journey, clearing the path of obstacles and offering encouragement and guidance.

Explorers Room Daily Schedule

8:00–8:45 Free Play (Sensory Activities) / Check Diapers

8:45–9:20 Free Play / Short Stories / Clean-up Time

9:20–9:45 Wash hands / A.M. Snack / Wash hands / Diaper change

9:45–10:30 Gym / Outdoors

10:30–11:15 Exploratory Activities (Art/Science Projects)

11:15–11:30 Diaper Check / Free Play

11:30–11:45 Clean-up

11:45–12:00 Movement, Songs, Fingerplays / Prepare for Lunch / Wash Hands / Diaper Change

12:00–12:30 Lunch / Dessert / Half-Day Pick-Ups

12:30–1:15 Outdoors/Gym / Diaper Check / Prepare for Naptime

1:15–3:15 Naptime (Best Time for Calls)

3:15–3:45 Naptime Ends / Diaper Change

3:45-4:15 Wash Hands / P.M. Snack / Wash Hands

4:15–4:45 Gym / Outdoors / Free Choice

4:45–5:15 Small Group Activities / Diaper Check

5:15–6:00 Table Games / Stories / Last Diapering / Closing

OPEN DAILY