Analysis on Daily Routine Types Based on Daily Care Plans of Child Care Centers and the Characteristics of Child Care Programs According to Daily Routine Types

Abstract

This study explores the types of daily routines in child care centers based on the time planned for indoor free choice activities, outdoor activities, group activities and nap/rest. The daily routine plans of 63 classes of 0 to 2-yearolds and 51 classes of 3 to 5-year-olds were cluster analyzed. Also, openness and closeness of child care programs as well as the most participated indoor/outdoor activities were examined using questionnaires developed for teachers. The results were as follows: First, teachers planned the most time for free play choice activity and comparatively less time for outdoor play during the day. Time for rest and naps were planned more for 0-2 year-olds whereas group activities were planned more for the 3-5 year-olds. Second, 3 daily routine types were found in the daily plans of child care centers, such as "Low-Activity Oriented," "Free Choice Activity Oriented" and "Group Activity Oriented" in 0 to 2-year-old classes and 3 to 5-year-old classes. Also, "Group Activity Oriented" type in 0 to 2-year-old classes showed more "closed" child care programs than the "Free Choice Activity Oriented" type. However, no difference was shown among the 3 types of daily routines in the openness and closeness of 3 to 5-year-old child care programs. Finally, all children, regardless of the types of daily routine, participated most in block activity and role play indoors and fixed-play equipment, sand play and free play outdoors. (low-activity oriented), (free choice activity oriented), (group activity oriented), (daily routine types)