A smooth day at your childcare program begins long before the first child arrives and ends well after the last one leaves. The secret to a calm, organized, and successful day lies in your morning and evening routines. Structured opening and closing procedures don't just tick boxes; they create a foundation for safety, efficiency, and a warm, welcoming environment for children, families, and staff.
Establishing consistent routines helps your team work together seamlessly, ensuring that critical tasks are never overlooked. From safety checks to classroom prep, these daily habits are the backbone of a high-quality program.
Let’s explore the essential tasks that should be part of every childcare program's morning and evening schedule.
Free Childcare Staff Daily Opening and Closing Checklist
A free checklist to streamline your daily operations and boost staff efficiency.
The importance of a solid morning routine
A strong morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. When staff members know exactly what needs to be done, they can prepare the space efficiently, creating a secure and engaging atmosphere for children to walk into. A well-planned opening process helps your program start on the right foot, every single day.
Key morning opening tasks
A great morning routine ensures your facility is safe, clean, and ready for learning. Here are some critical tasks to include in your opening procedures:
Safety and security checks
Before anyone enters the building, your first priority is to confirm that the environment is secure.
- Building walk-through: Conduct a sweep of the entire premises, including outdoor play areas, to check for any hazards, unlocked gates, or unusual activity.
- System checks: Ensure all safety systems are operational. This includes testing fire alarms, emergency exit lighting, and security cameras.
- First aid kits: Quickly inspect first aid kits to confirm they are fully stocked and accessible.
Preparing the physical environment
A welcoming classroom invites children to explore and learn from the moment they arrive.
- Lighting and temperature: Adjust lights and thermostats to create a comfortable and cheerful atmosphere.
- Classroom sanitization: Wipe down high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and changing stations to ensure a healthy space.
- Play area setup: Arrange toys, learning centers, and materials in an inviting way. Rotate activities to keep children engaged day after day.
Getting organized for the day
Preparation is key to a smooth and productive day for your staff and the children in your care.
- Review the daily schedule: Go over the day's lesson plans, special activities, and any scheduled visitors or events.
- Check attendance and ratios: Note any expected absences and confirm you have adequate staff coverage to maintain required ratios.
- Prepare sign-in sheets: Have your digital or paper sign-in system ready for families to use upon arrival. Brightwheel users find that digital check-in saves hours weekly and keeps records accurate.
The value of a thorough evening routine
Just as a great morning routine sets you up for success, a thorough evening routine ensures a smooth closing and an even smoother opening the next day. Closing procedures are about more than just cleaning up; they are about securing the building, communicating effectively, and preparing for tomorrow. This helps your team end the day with a sense of accomplishment and reduces stress for the opening staff.
Key evening closing tasks
Ending the day on an organized note is just as important as starting it that way. Here’s what your closing checklist can cover:
Cleaning and sanitizing
A clean slate at the end of the day makes for a healthier, more pleasant morning.
- Disinfect surfaces: Thoroughly clean and sanitize tables, chairs, countertops, and changing tables.
- Tidy up learning centers: Reset play areas, put away materials, and organize shelves. This creates an orderly environment for the next morning.
- Manage waste and recycling: Empty all trash and recycling bins and prepare them for pickup.
Communication and hand-off
Clear communication ensures everyone—staff and families—is on the same page.
- Log daily updates: Document important information about each child's day, including meals, naps, and activities. With an all-in-one app, this information can be shared instantly with families.
- Check out all children: Ensure all children are properly signed out by an authorized guardian.
- Staff communication: Leave notes for the morning crew about any incidents, low supplies, or important reminders.
Securing the facility
The final step is to ensure the building is safe and secure overnight.
- Final walk-through: Do a complete sweep of all rooms, bathrooms, and closets to make sure no one has been left behind.
- Lock doors and windows: Secure all entry points, including doors, windows, and gates.
- Turn off electronics and lights: Power down non-essential electronics and turn off lights to conserve energy. Return all classroom devices to their charging stations.
By following these closing procedures, you can ensure your childcare facility remains safe, efficient, and ready for the next day. A well-organized routine not only protects your staff and children but also saves valuable time and resources. With everything securely in place, you can end each day with peace of mind.
Streamline your classroom routine
Implementing consistent morning and evening routines is one of the most effective ways to improve your program’s operations, safety, and overall quality. When your team has a clear, step-by-step guide, tasks are completed correctly and efficiently every time. This frees up more time for what truly matters: caring for and educating children.
