One day, hour by hour

8:00–9:00 · Arrival, breakfast, and free play

The door opens at 8:00 sharp (it stays locked otherwise). Children arrive, get a warm hello, and ease in with breakfast and free play. Please plan to arrive by 9:00 so the day can settle — early birds can reserve an earlier drop-off with us as extended care.

9:00–10:30 · Outdoor play

We go out while the Valley morning is still cool. Running, climbing, digging, bubbles — the gated backyard has sun and shade, and we're out there with the children, not watching from a window.

10:30–12:00 · Circle time and learning centers

Songs, a story, and the day's theme. Then children move through centers: art, sensory play, early math and letters. It looks like play. It is play. It's also the curriculum.

12:00–12:30 · Lunch together

A home-cooked, allergy-conscious lunch, all of us at the table. Meals are included — you don't pack anything unless you want to.

12:30–2:30 · Rest and quiet time

Little ones nap. Babies sleep on their backs in their own cribs, checked every 15 minutes — in writing. Children who've outgrown naps rest with a book or a quiet activity. Everyone recharges, including the grown-ups' ears.

2:30–4:00 · Snack, music, and creative projects

Afternoon snack, then the expressive part of the day: music, dance, creative projects, and free play.

4:00–5:00 · Preparation and pickup

Winding down together — tidying up, gathering artwork and belongings, and easing into pickup. By the time you arrive, you'll have the story of the day in the app — usually with paint somewhere it shouldn't be. Staying past 5:00? That's reserved evening care, planned ahead with us.

Weekend days and extended evenings follow a gentler version of this rhythm. Hours & Extended Care →