Our day flows with a natural in-breath / out-breath rhythm—balancing focused group learning with open-ended exploration, project work, and connection. We gently integrate early literacy, numeracy, science, art, and social-emotional learning through meaningful provocations and collaborative projects.

At least two hours of outdoor time are embedded daily—typically one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Families at The Willows Collective Preschool also enjoy regular nature walks to Humewood Park and Cedarvale Ravine, storytelling and discovery at the local library, and creative inspiration from visits to the Wychwood Barns. These outings enrich our curriculum and reinforce our community-connected, nature-centred philosophy.

This schedule remains flexible and responsive, adapting to the energy, interests, and needs of the children.

Please note we offer full-time enrolment only. This approach ensures consistency, making transitions easier for children and supporting group cohesion. It also helps maintain smooth daily routines and learning projects, creating a clear and predictable environment where every child can thrive.

Daily Rhythm

8:30 AM – 9:30AM Arrival & Morning Exploration (Out-breath + In-breath) Children settle in with open-ended invitations: dramatic play, art, sensory experiences, construction, math and science provocations, loose parts, light table, and storytelling. Morning social learning introduces our daily kindness theme, carried through the day.

9:30 AM – 9:45 Morning Snack (In-breath) Washroom and handwashing, followed by a shared nutritious snack and conversation around the table.

9:45 AM – 10:20 AM Morning Circle: Shared Inquiry & Group Intentions (In-breath) Songs, movement, seasonal stories, and reflective conversation. Introduction of group projects and emergent inquiry in literacy, numeracy, or science.

10:20 AM – Transition to Outdoors (Out-breath)

10:30–11:30 AM – Outdoor Inquiry or Community Outing (Out-breath) Time in nature, loose parts play, gardening, seasonal observation walks, or local library/park visits.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Transition to Lunch (Out-breath → In-breath) Washroom, handwashing, table setting, and gratitude.

12:00 PM –12:30 PM Lunch (In-breath) Shared homemade lunch with calm conversation and connection.

12:30–2:30 PM – Rest & Quiet Time (In-breath)

Rest with comfort items, gentle music, or quiet activities such as journals, puzzles, or books.

2:30 PM – 3:30 Washroom Routine & Afternoon Snack (In-breath)

Washroom, handwashing, table setting, and gratitude.

3:00–4:00 PM – Outdoor Learning & Physical Expression (Out-breath)

Cooperative games, obstacle courses, gardening, and continued inquiry outdoors.

4:00–4:30 PM – Reflection Circle & Collaborative Closing / Farewell Invitations (In-breath → Out-breath)

Storytelling, group dialogue, visual documentation, music, and movement. Children revisit morning provocations, draw, build, or play outdoors until pick-up.