Flexible Schedule

Children are constantly learning. This learning takes place in structured learning activities as well as during daily routines. Although they can't tell time, they learn that recess comes after lunch, and it is time to go home after large group. So, you see that the routines help the children.

However, as much as possible, personal care routines such as feeding, diapering, hand washing, toileting, and napping should be determined by the individual child's needs and rhythms. Young children gain a sense of their own identity and self-worth from the way in which their bodily needs are responded to and satisfied. Potty breaks cannot always be scheduled but denying the time for that break is not possible.

Providers should be flexible and skilled enough to change planned or routine activities according to the needs or interests of children.