Weekly Lesson Plans for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers - post

Writing weekly plans that work for a mixed-age child care room can feel hard. This short guide helps directors and providers make simple, useful #lessonplans for #infants, #toddlers and #preschoolers. It gives easy steps, time-savers, and ways to include families.

Use the links to ChildCareEd templates and articles for ready-made tools like the Infant and Toddler Weekly Lesson Plan Template and the Preschool Weekly Lesson Plan Template.

Remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

1) What should each weekly plan include?

Keep each weekly plan short and clear. Use a one-page sheet that shows staff what to do and what to observe.

1. Goal(s): 1–2 simple learning goals (example: new words or sharing).
2. Daily activities: 3–6 playful activities that match the goal.
3. Materials: list where items are stored so staff can grab quickly.
4. Steps: 2–4 short steps for each activity (start, play, end).
5. Assessment: one photo or one observation note per child.

Use ChildCareEd sample plans for structure. See the ready animal-themed weekly plan for infants/toddlers at Sample Weekly Lesson Plan Infant/Toddler. For preschool themes, check the Head Start Preschool Weekly Lesson Plan Template.

2) How do I make plans developmentally appropriate and why does it matter?

Why it matters: Good #DAP planning helps children learn, feel safe, and build strong skills. Developmentally right activities keep children engaged. They also help your staff use the same plan so teaching stays steady across the week. For a clear guide on DAP, read What Is Developmentally Appropriate Practice.

Steps to make plans developmentally appropriate:

1. Observe first: watch children for 5–10 minutes to find interests.
2. Pick small goals: choose one skill for infants and 1–2 for older children.
3. Layer the activity: same theme, different levels (touch for babies, guided play for toddlers, questions for preschoolers).
4. Include routines: link activities to daily care like snack, diapering, or arrival time.
5. Use research-based milestones: compare notes with the CDC milestones at CDC Developmental Milestones when you’re unsure.

ChildCareEd explains why infant/toddler planning is different from preschool planning in Lesson Planning for Infants and Toddlers. For infants, focus on relationships, routines, and sensory play rather than academic skills. For preschoolers, include richer questions and small group work; see Lesson Planning for Preschoolers.

3) How can I save time and organize weekly plans for staff?

Directors and providers need systems. Here are practical ways to save time and keep plans useful.

1. Use templates: keep a standard weekly template for each age group. Try the ChildCareEd templates: infant/toddler and preschool.
2. 🧺 Prep bins: gather all materials for the week in labeled baskets so staff can grab and go.
3. 🔁 Repeat favorites: schedule a favorite activity twice a week to deepen learning and cut prep time.
4. 📋 Visual schedules: post a simple picture schedule at child eye level to speed transitions (see Visual Schedules).
5. 📸 Quick assessments: ask staff to take one photo + one sentence per child each week. Store in the child’s folder.

Also train staff in short, focused sessions. ChildCareEd offers brief courses you can assign like Designing Messy Play and How to Write an Early Childhood Lesson Plan Step by Step.

4) How do I assess learning, avoid common mistakes, and share with families?

Assessment and family partnership keep plans honest and helpful.

1. Assessment tips:
   • 📸 One photo + one note per child each week.
   • 🔎 Use short checklists tied to your weekly goal (engaged, needed help, next step).
   • 📑 Use milestones and observations to guide referrals (see CDC Milestones).
2. Common mistakes and fixes:
   • ❌ Too many goals. ✅ Fix: pick 1–2 clear goals per week.
   • ❌ Skipping observation. ✅ Fix: schedule a 10-minute observation block each day.
   • ❌ One plan fits all ages. ✅ Fix: layer activities by age and ability.
3. Family communication:
   • 📣 Send one weekly note: theme, one photo, and a simple tip families can try at home.
   • 🤝 Invite family input when setting goals—this supports inclusion and culture.

FAQ

1. Q: How many goals per week? A: 1–2 clear goals work best for all ages.
2. Q: Do I need a written plan every day? A: A short weekly plan plus daily notes is enough.
3. Q: How long should toddler activities last? A: About 10–15 minutes of focused time.
4. Q: Where to find ready-made ideas? A: ChildCareEd templates and sample plans linked above.

Conclusion

Good weekly #lessonplans are short, flexible, and child-centered. Use these steps:

1. Observe to choose one goal.
2. Plan 3–6 playful activities and list materials.
3. Prep bins and use templates to save time.
4. Assess with one photo + one note and share with families.

You are the program’s greatest strength. Small, steady planning changes help children and staff feel calm and successful. For templates and examples, start with ChildCareEd’s sample plans and the preschool template. And remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.