Our day unfolds as a rhythm, not a rigid schedule. We follow the natural flow of children’s energy, curiosity, and needs. While our day has a predictable shape that helps children feel secure and connected, we remain responsive to what each moment asks of us. If the rain stops and the garden calls, we go. If a story needs more time, we give it. If a body needs rest earlier than expected, we listen.
This rhythm is rooted in Ontario’s How Does Learning Happen? framework, which reminds us that children thrive when they experience deep Belonging, authentic Well-Being, meaningful Engagement, and joyful Expression. These four foundations aren’t boxes we check off; they’re woven into every transition, every meal, every moment of play.
The schedule below offers a window into the heart of our day. It shows you the touchstones we return to (the gatherings, the meals, the quiet), but it can’t capture the flexibility, the laughter, or the way we follow the lead of the children. That part, you’ll have to come see for yourself.
A Day at Sorrel & Cedar
A Warm Welcome & Morning Wonders (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Arrival & Settling In: A gentle transition from home to care. Children settle into the space, greeted with warmth as they find their place in our community. (Belonging)
- Morning Snack & Connection: We gather for a nourishing snack, sharing stories and setting a calm tone for the day. (Well-Being)
- Morning Outdoor Exploration: We head outside for at least one hour of big movement and nature discovery. If the weather is truly “stay-inside” bad, we shift to active indoor invitations. (Expression & Engagement)
- Invitations to Play: Back inside (or continuing outdoors), open-ended materials are set out to spark curiosity and deep focus. (Engagement)
- Meeting Time: We gather together to transition. This is our time for stories, songs, and mindful reflection before we move toward the meal. (Expression & Belonging)
A Shared Table & Time for Dreams (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM)
- Lunch: A shared, vegetarian meal where we practice independence and social connection. (Belonging & Well-Being)
- Rest & Quiet Time: The house grows quiet. Children nap or engage in calm, low-light activities like books or soft music. Note: We avoid drop-offs between 12:30 and 2:30 PM to protect this time. (Well-Being)
Play & A Gentle Goodbye (2:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
- Afternoon Snack: The final shared meal of our day together; an opportunity to nourish and re-center before our afternoon outdoor exploration. (Well-Being)
- Afternoon Outdoor Play: We return to the garden or local green space for another hour of fresh air and exploration. In inclement weather, we bring the “wild” inside with sensory play and creative projects. (Expression)
- Departure: A slow wind-down as families arrive, closing the day with the same care it began with. (Belonging)
A Note on Personal Care & Hygiene
Toileting & Diapering: Rather than a scheduled task, diapering and bathroom visits flow with the needs of the individual child. These are gentle transitions where we support a child’s growing self-awareness and respect for their own body.
Handwashing: We integrate hygiene into our daily rhythm as a meaningful act of care for ourselves and our friends. Washing away the remnants of a messy exploration or prepping for lunch becomes a grounding moment of transition.
Sorrel & Cedar ELC 