Early Morning with One Child

[bubblegum]

What do you suggest for early morning arrivals? I have one child arriving 30 minutes prior to every one else

(new child)

[Cat Herder]

Do you serve breakfast as they arrive or after everyone is there?

[Unregistered]

morning free play.
while they are playing I have my breakfast, prepare kids' breakfast and meet everyone at the entrance.
I open at 7 am, breakfast is at 9 am.

[Ariana]

I have one child that arrives between an hour to an hour and a half before everyone else. She basically becomes my child and has free reign of the house while I get my kids ready, breakfast etc. She mostly just plays in my upstairs playroom, follows me and my kids around etc so its not a big deal.

[knoxmomof2]

I have this situation. She's 2.5, been here for 1.5 years. I make and eat my breakfast and get their breakfast ready in that half hour. She freeplays.

It's harder when they're new, but I suggest the same. If they seem lost, suggest a toy, show them how it works and settle them where you can see them. Maybe chat with them as you work if you have things to do. If not, it's a great opportunity to do some one on one work with them.

[Cat Herder]

I feed them as they arrive in the kitchen then send them to centers in the playroom.

A couple of years ago I had a paid early arrival (prior to opening) who would come in PJ's and lay back down until someone arrived. It worked well because this child was always overtired from a family that was overscheduled. Some days I would let her sleep until the last arrival, before drop-off cut-off.

[springv]

We open at 6am and serve breakfast until 8:10am and the children eat breakfast and replay while the older children wait for the bus to arrive

[bubblegum]

Thank you for all the replies. I normally serve breakfast at 730.
I think I'm more worried since it's a new child. I think I'll do free play. See how it goes

[flying_babyb]

Ah the "early morning box" works well if free play dosent! We have a small box of quiet toys and games that only are used in the early hours. a coloring book, smaller blocks, velcro matching ect. It makes the time go faster and the child or children feel special that they get to use the "special" toys!

[Unregistered]

Depending on age maybe do a quiet time, like rest or books with soft music, select lights if available.

[bubblegum]

Ah the "early morning box" works well if free play dosent! We have a small box of quiet toys and games that only are used in the early hours. a coloring book, smaller blocks, velcro matching ect. It makes the time go faster and the child or children feel special that they get to use the "special" toys!

great idea!