Preston

A day at DCC&K Preston

At DCC&K, we maintain a flexible routine tailored to the needs of the children and the events of each day within every room

7.00am – Centre Open.
Upon arrival, children are warmly welcomed to the centre. During this initial period, family grouping takes place in the Duckling Room. This is a dedicated space where children of all ages, along with staff, gather to engage in a variety of activities designed to cater to different age groups and interests.

Breakfast is served until 8:00 AM
We provide a nutritious start to the day. This time allows children to settle in, socialise, and participate in enriching activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

8.00am – 8.30am - Additional staff and children arrive
The Rosella and Penguin rooms will be opened in accordance with the required child-to-staff ratios. This ensures a safe and supportive environment for all children. During this time, children will engage in planned free play experiences. These activities are thoughtfully designed to promote exploration, creativity, and social interaction, catering to the developmental needs and interests of each child.

9.00am – 9.30am – Morning Tea
At DCC&K, we prioritise fostering independence and healthy eating habits among children. To support this, we offer a self-serving meal option where children can choose from a variety of nutritious foods. This approach not only empowers them to make their own dietary choices but also encourages them to try new foods and developing a balanced diet. The self-serving process is supervised by our staff to ensure safety and proper portion control, while also providing guidance on making healthy choices. By allowing children to select their meals, we promote a sense of responsibility and autonomy, contributing to their overall growth and well-being

9.30am - 11.00am – The room program begins
We offer children a variety of engaging activities based on children’s interests, goals and observations made by the educators. These activities are designed to foster creativity, independence, and social skills through both structured and unstructured play.

An indoor/outdoor program is implemented, allowing children to explore and learn in different environments. Outdoor activities are conducted weather permitting, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants. This balanced approach provides children with opportunities to enjoy fresh air and physical activity, while also benefiting from indoor learning experiences.

11.00am – 11.30am –Lunch
At DCC&K lunch is freshly prepared on-site every day, featuring a diverse array of cuisines to cater to various tastes and preferences. We take great pride in ensuring that all meals are not only delicious but also healthy and nutritious, supporting the overall well-being of the children. Our cook carefully selects high-quality ingredients to create balanced meals that meet dietary guidelines. Additionally, we are committed to accommodating children with food allergies or specific dietary needs by providing safe and equally nutritious alternative meals.

11.30am – 12.30pm – Free play and pre sleep routine
During this period, children engage in free play, which offers them the opportunity to explore their interests and develop social, cognitive, and motor skills through a variety of activities. This unstructured playtime is essential for fostering creativity and independence.

As the time progresses, a pre-sleep routine is initiated to help children transition smoothly to rest time. This routine includes calming activities such as quiet reading, gentle music, and relaxation exercises. These activities are designed to create a soothing environment, helping children to unwind and prepare for a restful sleep.

12.30pm -2.00pm – Sleep and Rest time
During this period, children have the opportunity to rest their bodies and minds, accompanied by soothing background music. This tranquil environment is designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

For children who do not require sleep or rest, a variety of quiet activities are available. These include reading books, solving puzzles, drawing, and participating in small group games. These activities are carefully selected to ensure a calm and peaceful atmosphere, allowing all children to benefit from this restful time.

2.00pm-3.00pm – Children start to wake and Afternoon Tea

Children wake from their rest period and begin to pack up their quiet activities. They then transition smoothly into afternoon tea, where they are encouraged to self-serve. This process fosters independence and allows children to develop their self-help skills in a supportive environment.

3.30pm – 4.30pm – Free play and afternoon program begins. Indoor/outdoor program is run weather permitting

New activities, carefully designed to align with children’s individual interests, are introduced to encourage exploration and engagement. These activities are thoughtfully curated to foster curiosity and creativity, allowing children to delve deeper into topics they find intriguing.

4.30pm - 5.00pm – Late snack is provided

This is a light snack provided to sustain the children until they are picked up. It is thoughtfully selected to ensure the children remain nourished and energised during the final portion of their day, supporting their well-being and maintaining their focus until they are reunited with their families.

5.00pm – 6.00pm – Free play and children gathering in Duckling room for family grouping as staff conclude their day.

During this time, educators engage with families to discuss their child's daily experiences. Additionally, family grouping occurs in the Duckling Room, a designated space where children of various ages, along with staff, come together to participate in a range of activities tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of different age groups.

6.00pm – Centre Closed