Our Activity Schedule
6:30 am - 8:30 am
Breakfast, Free-play, and Individual Interest
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, each child begins the day in a calm, unhurried environment — not a rushed classroom transition. Children are welcomed with a nutritious, balanced breakfast that includes all required meal components, thoughtfully planned to support healthy growth and sustained energy throughout the day. Unlike many daycare centers where mornings can feel busy and overstimulating, we provide Quiet Free Play to help children ease into their day at their own pace. Some children need a slower, more gentle start, while others are ready to engage right away. This time allows each child to transition comfortably, reducing stress and creating a sense of security from the very beginning of their day. This block also includes Individual Work (IW), where children receive one-on-one or small-group attention — something that can be difficult to achieve in larger daycare center settings. During this focused time, we reinforce skills, introduce new concepts, and support each child based on their individual needs and developmental level. A daily read-aloud is included as well, building early literacy skills in a setting where children are engaged, attentive, and truly supported.
8:30 am - 9 am
Circle Time
During Circle Time at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children gather in a small, engaging group setting to participate in songs, stories, and guided discussions. Unlike larger daycare centers where group time can feel rushed or difficult to manage, our smaller group size allows each child to actively participate, stay engaged, and feel included. This time is used to introduce new learning themes for the day and week, helping children feel prepared, confident, and excited about what they will explore. With fewer distractions and more individual attention, children are better able to focus, ask questions, and connect with the material in a meaningful way. Circle Time supports the development of important social skills, listening abilities, and healthy routines while fostering a strong sense of belonging. In a consistent and structured environment, children learn to take turns, communicate respectfully, and build confidence — not by being managed as a group, but by being guided and supported as individuals within it.
9 am - 9:30 am
Early Literacy Development
During the Literacy block at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children participate in intentional, hands-on activities that support early reading and writing development. Unlike larger daycare centers where learning time can be limited by group size or competing needs, our small group setting allows each child to stay engaged and receive the support they need. This time includes listening to engaging stories, exploring picture books, singing alphabet songs, and practicing foundational writing skills such as drawing shapes and forming letters. With more one-on-one guidance, children are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and build confidence as they learn. These literacy experiences strengthen vocabulary, listening comprehension, and early phonemic awareness in a way that is both age-appropriate and encouraging. By combining play with guided instruction, we create meaningful learning moments that help children build a strong foundation for future reading and writing success.
9:30 am - 10 am
Physical Fitness & Outdoor Play
Our Physical Fitness block at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico is designed to promote healthy physical development, coordination, and lifelong active habits through intentional, age-appropriate activities. Unlike many daycare centers in Portales, where space, time, or group size can limit movement, we prioritize daily opportunities for children to move freely, safely, and with purpose. During this time, toddlers and preschoolers engage in movement-based play such as running, jumping, climbing, dancing, and playing with balls. With a smaller group and more supervision per child, activities are not only safer, but more engaging — allowing each child to participate fully rather than waiting their turn or being limited by a larger group. This consistent focus on physical activity helps children build strength, coordination, and confidence while also supporting emotional regulation and focus throughout the day. By giving children the space and guidance to move their bodies regularly, we help prevent the restlessness and overstimulation that can build up in more restricted daycare center environments.
10 am - 10:15 am
Snack Time
During Snack Time at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children are served nutritious options that may include milk (whole or 1%), a protein and/or whole grain, and a fruit or vegetable. Unlike larger daycare centers where transitions can feel rushed, snack time in our small group setting is calm, structured, and supervised with care. Before snack, children wash their hands—especially after outdoor play—helping them build consistent hygiene habits in a setting where each step is guided and reinforced. With fewer children and more individualized attention, routines like handwashing and mealtime become meaningful learning moments rather than quick transitions. This time also provides an opportunity for children to slow down, connect, and practice important social skills such as sitting together, communicating, and developing independence. In a more relaxed environment, children are able to eat comfortably, engage with others, and feel supported throughout the process.
10:15 am - 10:45 am
Wash Up - Free-Play, and Individual Interest
After Snack Time, children wash their hands and transition into Free Play at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico. Unlike larger daycare centers where free play can feel unstructured or overwhelming, our small group setting allows children to explore in a calm, guided environment using learning materials that spark their interest. During this time, children reinforce skills and concepts through hands-on, play-based experiences while still receiving support and direction from caregivers. With fewer children competing for attention, each child is able to stay engaged, explore more deeply, and build confidence through meaningful play. This block also includes Individual Work, where children receive focused support in very small groups—either one-on-one or in pairs. This level of individualized attention is difficult to achieve in larger daycare center settings. Individual Work allows us to strengthen previously introduced concepts and provide extra practice using different approaches when needed. This personalized approach ensures each child receives the encouragement, guidance, and support necessary for confident, steady growth — not just during structured lessons, but throughout their entire day.
10:45 am - 11:15 am
Creative Art
During Creative Art at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children explore self-expression through activities such as drawing, painting, and simple crafts. Unlike larger daycare centers where art time can feel rushed or limited by group size, our small setting allows each child the time, space, and support to fully engage in the creative process. These hands-on experiences help strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and early problem-solving abilities. With more individual attention, children are guided through activities at their own pace, allowing them to experiment, make choices, and build confidence without feeling rushed or overlooked. Creative Art encourages imaginative thinking and supports each child’s unique ideas as they explore different materials, colors, and techniques. In a calm, structured environment, creativity becomes more than just an activity — it becomes a meaningful learning experience that supports both development and self-expression.
11:15 am - 12 pm
Music and Movement
During Music and Movement at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children participate in engaging, rhythm-based activities that encourage self-expression, coordination, and confidence. Unlike larger daycare centers where group activities can feel rushed or difficult to manage, our small group setting allows each child to fully participate, stay engaged, and feel included. Children take part in singing, dancing, and using simple instruments in a calm, structured environment. With fewer distractions and more individualized attention, each child is supported at their own comfort level — allowing them to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed or overlooked. This time also provides opportunities for Individual Support, where we can gently guide children in very small groups or one-on-one as needed. This level of attention allows us to encourage participation, strengthen coordination, and help each child develop rhythm, listening skills, and body awareness. By combining movement, music, and individualized guidance, we create an experience where children are not just following along, but actively engaged and supported — helping them build confidence, social skills, and a lasting connection to learning through movement.
12 pm - 12:30 pm
Lunch
During Lunch at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children are served a balanced meal that includes all required components: milk (whole or 1%), a fruit, a vegetable, a whole grain, and a protein. Unlike larger daycare centers where mealtimes can feel rushed or noisy, our small group setting allows children to eat in a calm, structured environment where they can relax, focus, and enjoy their meal. Meals are thoughtfully planned to support healthy growth, proper nutrition, and steady energy throughout the day. With fewer children and more individualized attention, we are able to guide routines, encourage healthy eating habits, and ensure each child is supported throughout the process. While children enjoy their lunch, we often include a developmentally appropriate read-aloud. In a quieter, more attentive setting, children are able to listen, engage, and absorb language more effectively. Being read to during mealtime strengthens language development, expands vocabulary, and introduces new ideas in a natural and meaningful way. This routine transforms lunchtime into more than just a break in the day — it becomes a calm, enriching experience that supports both learning and connection.
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
Wash Up
After lunch and before nap time at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children wash their hands and brush their teeth in a calm, guided setting. Unlike larger daycare centers where transitions can feel rushed or less individualized, our small group allows each child to receive the attention and support needed to complete these routines properly and confidently. This daily practice promotes strong hygiene habits while ensuring children are clean, comfortable, and ready to rest. With more one-on-one guidance, children are not simply told what to do — they are taught, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. Practicing hygiene in a consistent, structured environment helps children build independence and responsibility over time. These routines become meaningful learning moments, helping children develop lifelong habits they can carry with confidence into their home and school years.
12:45 pm - 3 pm
Rest & Nap Time
After lunch and before nap time at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, children wash their hands and brush their teeth in a calm, guided setting. Unlike larger daycare centers where transitions can feel rushed or less individualized, our small group allows each child to receive the attention and support needed to complete these routines properly and confidently. This daily practice promotes strong hygiene habits while ensuring children are clean, comfortable, and ready to rest. With more one-on-one guidance, children are not simply told what to do — they are taught, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. Practicing hygiene in a consistent, structured environment helps children build independence and responsibility over time. These routines become meaningful learning moments, helping children develop lifelong habits they can carry with confidence into their home and school years.
3 pm - 3:30 pm
STEM
During our STEM block at Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, toddlers and preschoolers participate in engaging, hands-on activities that introduce early concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math. Unlike larger daycare centers where activities can be limited by group size or competing needs, our small setting allows children to fully engage, explore, and ask questions with the support of attentive caregivers. Children explore the natural world by planting seeds, observing changes, and experimenting with materials such as water and sand. With more one-on-one guidance, each child is encouraged to think, explore, and discover at their own pace rather than simply following along in a large group. Using simple tools, interactive materials, and building resources like blocks and LEGO® bricks, children begin to understand cause and effect while practicing early engineering skills. They also develop foundational math abilities by counting objects, sorting by color or size, and matching shapes through puzzles and guided activities. These STEM experiences spark curiosity, strengthen problem-solving skills, and encourage critical thinking in a developmentally appropriate way. By combining hands-on exploration with personalized support, we create meaningful learning experiences that go beyond supervision — helping children build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love for discovery.
3:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Snack
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, daily outdoor play is an essential part of our routine. Unlike many daycare centers where outdoor time can be limited by space, schedules, or group size, we prioritize consistent opportunities for children to get outside, move freely, and explore. With access to a nearby park, children are able to enjoy a more open and engaging environment — giving them the space to run, climb, and play in ways that are often not possible in more confined daycare settings. This expanded space allows for more meaningful physical activity and a greater sense of freedom while still being safely supervised. Whether children are using playground equipment, participating in group games, or exploring the natural environment, outdoor play becomes both purposeful and enjoyable. These experiences strengthen gross motor skills, encourage cooperation, and support overall physical and emotional development. By making outdoor time a consistent and intentional part of the day, we help children build confidence, release energy in a healthy way, and develop a lasting love for active play in a safe, supportive environment.
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Outdoor Play
At Little Minds Home Daycare in Portales, New Mexico, daily outdoor play is an essential part of our routine. Unlike many daycare centers where outdoor time can be limited by space, schedules, or group size, we prioritize consistent opportunities for children to get outside, move freely, and explore. With access to a nearby park, children are able to enjoy a more open and engaging environment — giving them the space to run, climb, and play in ways that are often not possible in more confined daycare settings. This expanded space allows for more meaningful physical activity and a greater sense of freedom while still being safely supervised. Whether children are using playground equipment, participating in group games, or exploring the natural environment, outdoor play becomes both purposeful and enjoyable. These experiences strengthen gross motor skills, encourage cooperation, and support overall physical and emotional development. By making outdoor time a consistent and intentional part of the day, we help children build confidence, release energy in a healthy way, and develop a lasting love for active play in a safe, supportive environment.
4:15 pm - 5:30 pm
Free-Play & Individual Interest
Unlike larger daycare centers where free play can feel unstructured or overwhelming, our small group setting allows children to explore in a calm, guided environment using learning materials that spark their interest. During this time, children reinforce skills and concepts through hands-on, play-based experiences while still receiving support and direction from caregivers. With fewer children competing for attention, each child is able to stay engaged, explore more deeply, and build confidence through meaningful play. This block also includes Individual Interest, where children receive focused support in very small groups—either one-on-one or in pairs. This level of individualized attention is difficult to achieve in larger daycare center settings. Individual Interest allows us to strengthen previously introduced concepts and provide extra practice using different approaches when needed. This personalized approach ensures each child receives the encouragement, guidance, and support necessary for confident, steady growth — not just during structured lessons, but throughout their entire day.