07 Oct A Day in the Life at Ruben’s
At Ruben’s Place, we know that structure, routine, and a nurturing environment are key to helping children thrive. Our daily program is thoughtfully designed to balance learning, play, and essential life skills while building trust, confidence, and independence. Whilst every day is different and sometimes, times and student requirements may change, here’s a look at a typical day at Ruben’s Place, where every moment is an opportunity for growth and success.
9:00 AM – Student Arrival
The day begins with a warm welcome as students arrive. We focus on free play opportunities during this time, allowing children to explore, settle in, and build trust with their educators and peers. This is a valuable time for developing rapport and connection, which sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
9:30 AM – Transition to a Specified Learning Area
After free play, students move to a designated learning space to participate in the morning group session. This group activity helps children practice listening, following instructions, and engaging with others in a supportive setting. Following this, students enjoy their morning tea, which offers a chance to build healthy eating habits and social skills during mealtimes.
10:30 AM – Toileting & Structured Play
Next, we focus on essential life skills, like toileting routines, which encourage independence and confidence. Afterwards, students engage in structured play and naturalistic learning opportunities. Play is where so much learning happens—whether it’s communication, problem-solving, or building motor skills, children learn best when they’re having fun.
11:00 AM – Transition to Learning Goals
Mid-morning brings a shift to a combination of group learning and individual learning goals. This is an important part of the day where children work on skills tailored to their personal development plans, all while practicing group participation. Whether it’s communication, social interaction, or academic readiness, these sessions are designed to meet every child where they’re at.
12:30 PM – Lunch and Eating
Lunch is more than just a meal—it’s another opportunity for learning. Students practice independence by managing their meals and developing positive eating habits. It’s also a chance to bond with peers, building friendships in a relaxed and supportive environment.
1:00 PM – Free & Structured Play
After lunch, children engage in a mix of free and structured play alongside more naturalistic learning opportunities. These moments allow kids to explore their interests, use their imagination, and learn critical social skills like sharing, turn-taking, and cooperation.
2:00 PM – Group & Individual Learning Goals
The afternoon provides another block of focused learning, combining group activities with individual goals. By revisiting learning targets, children receive additional opportunities to practice and strengthen the skills they’ve been working on throughout the day.
2:30 PM – Toileting & Pack-Up
As the day winds down, we focus again on essential routines like toileting and packing up. These activities encourage children to develop independence, organisational skills, and responsibility.
3:00 PM – Student Departure
The day ends with a smooth transition to student departure. Our team ensures each child leaves feeling confident, happy, and proud of what they’ve accomplished during the day.
Why Routine Matters
At Ruben’s Place, a consistent daily routine helps children feel secure and supported. It provides structure while allowing flexibility for each child’s individual needs. Every part of our day—from free play to group learning—is designed to help children develop social, communication, and independence skills, all while having fun and building meaningful connections.
By balancing learning, play, and essential routines, we’re preparing children for success in school, at home, and in their communities. At Ruben’s Place, every day is an opportunity to grow, learn, and shine!