A Day in the Life of Our One-Year-Old Classroom at United Friends School

There’s something beautiful about the first light of learning - those early moments when curiosity awakens, and every experience shapes a child’s understanding of the world. At United Friends School in Quakertown, PA, our new First Light program is designed to offer a nurturing environment where one-year-olds can explore, grow, and shine. In these classrooms, children will be encouraged to explore, connect, and discover at their own pace with loving guidance from experienced educators. Each day will offer opportunities for movement, creativity, and growth, rooted in our Quaker values and the belief that every child is unique and full of potential.

Morning Beginnings and Warm Welcomes

The day will begin with open arms and gentle hellos as families arrive and children settle into their classroom. Teachers will welcome each child with intention, taking a moment to connect and help them ease into the day with comfort and trust. The morning will begin with exploratory play, giving children space to move freely, follow their curiosity, and explore materials at their own pace. As the morning unfolds and everyone feels more settled, we will gather for a few quiet moments together. Teachers might sing softly, share a short story, or simply sit with the children in a calm, caring circle. These shared moments are designed to help our youngest learners begin to feel part of a community, one that listens, notices, and cares for one another.

Learning Through Exploration and Play

For our one-year-olds in the First Light classroom, every moment will be an opportunity to explore and discover. The room will be thoughtfully designed with soft, natural materials and open-ended toys that invite curiosity; baskets to fill and empty, blocks to stack, and fabrics to touch and carry. Simple play experiences will help little ones practice new skills like grasping, balancing, and taking first steps, while learning to share space with friends.

Our teachers will observe closely and follow each child’s lead, shaping the environment around their interests and rhythms. Through gentle guidance and thoughtful interaction, we will support emerging language, movement, and independence, nurturing each child’s natural joy in learning about their world.

Outdoor Learning and Discovery

Our one-year-olds will spend time outside each day. They will move, explore, and take in the world at their own pace. Teachers will join them in these moments, noticing together and letting curiosity lead the way. Time outdoors will offer space for calm and connection with one another and with the world around us. In these simple experiences, we hope to see our Quaker values come to life: peace, community, and a quiet respect for the beauty in everyday moments.

Nourishment, Rest, and Reflection

Mealtimes will be a time to slow down and come together. Teachers will sit with the children, helping them as they eat and talk. These simple moments are intended to build community and a sense of care for one another. As the day naturally slows, giving space for quiet play or rest as each child needs, we will hold to our Quaker values of peace, simplicity, and attentiveness to each child’s rhythm.

Connection Between Home and School

In the First Light program, relationships with families will be at the heart of what we do, just as they are in every classroom at UFS. We will share stories from the day, celebrate small milestones together, and maintain open lines of communication so each child feels supported, both at home and at school.

Families can feel comforted knowing that UFS will become an extended home, a place where both children and adults are known and cared for. We envision true friendships growing here among families and educators, rooted in the warmth and acceptance that define our Quaker community.

For our one-year-olds, school will become a place of belonging, where laughter is shared, curiosity is encouraged, and the foundations of lifelong connection begin to take shape.

Learn More About First Light

We look forward to welcoming our youngest learners into this new chapter at United Friends School. If you would like to learn more about the First Light program, we invite you to reach out with your questions or schedule a visit. There is no better way to understand the spirit of UFS than to walk through our classrooms, meet our educators, and experience the warmth of our community firsthand. We would be honored to share that with you. 

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