A consistent daily schedule and routines give children a predictable day and, in the group care setting, it helps children feel safe, secure, and comfortable. Daily schedule and routines influence a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development and help children understand expectations.

When infants and toddlers are part of familiar activities and routines, they develop relationships with the people they interact with and gain a sense of belonging and self-confidence. As older toddlers and young children grow, they can follow routines, demonstrate emerging independence, and adjust to change more easily.